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Effects of glutathione on thiol redox systems, chromosomal aberrations, and the ultrastructure of meristematic root cells ofPicea abies (L.) Karst.

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Summary

Young spruce seedlings (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) grown in hydroponic culture were exposed to three different concentrations (50,100, and 500 μM) of reduced glutathione for 24 h. These physiologically relevant concentrations of glutathione had a multiple effect on the investigated tissue. Feeding of glutathione to roots increased the concentrations of thiols (glutathione, cysteine, and γ-glutamyl-cysteine) in roots, decreased the rate of cell divisions, induced mitotic abnormalities, and affected the cell ultrastructure. Electron micrographs showed effects such as advanced vacuolation, dilated rough-endoplasmic-reticulum cisternae, and separations of the plasma membrane from the cell wall.

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Abbreviations

GSH:

reduced glutathione

GSSG:

oxidised glu-tathione

rER:

rough endoplasmic reticulum

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Plant Physiology, University of Graz, Schubertstrasse 51, A-8010, Graz, Austria

    G. Zellnig, M. Tausz, B. Pešec, D. Grill & M. Müller

Authors
  1. G. Zellnig
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  2. M. Tausz
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  3. B. Pešec
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  4. D. Grill
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  5. M. Müller
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Correspondence to M. Müller.

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Dedicated to Professor Walter Gustav Url on the occasion of his 70th birthday

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Zellnig, G., Tausz, M., Pešec, B. et al. Effects of glutathione on thiol redox systems, chromosomal aberrations, and the ultrastructure of meristematic root cells ofPicea abies (L.) Karst.. Protoplasma 212, 227–235 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01282923

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01282923

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