Abstract

Evaluation of antioxidative parameters in roots and shoots of pea plant (Cicer arietinumL.) in response to static magnetic field stress

Author(s): Faezeh Ghanati, Mohammad Yazdani

Since the magnetic fields (MF) are increasing on the earth, many investigators are studying the effect of MF on the various functions of living things. Also, investigations of MF effects on biological systems have attracted attention of biologists due to planned space flights to other planets. In the present study, we tested the effect of 30 mT static magnetic field (SMF) on some parameters indicative of oxidative stress in intact pea plants (Cicer arietinum L. cv. Hashem). Rate of peroxidation ofmembrane lipids and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were measured. The results showed that the activities of SOD, CAT andAPX were remarkably increased. However, the activity of antioxidative enzymes was not sufficient for scavenging of free radicals, so that the level ofmembrane lipid peroxidation was significantly increased after exposure to 30 mT SMF. Increased activity of SOD on one hand suggest that exposure to SMF results in enhancement of hydrogen peroxide as a very harmful reactive oxygen species and on the other hand increase of the activity of CAT and APX refers to the strategy of plant against oxidative stress by increasing of the activity of hydrogen peroxide scavengers.