Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a transition metal and hazardous pollutant that has many toxic effects on plants. This heavy metal poses a health risk for both humans and animals. The cell wall is the first structure of a plant cell that is in contact with Cd; therefore, it can change its composition and/or ratio of wall components accordingly. This paper investigates the changes in the anatomy and cell wall architecture of maize (Zea mays L.) roots grown for 10 days in the presence of auxin indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and Cd. The application of IBA in the concentration 10(-9) M delayed the development of apoplastic barriers, decreased the content of lignin in the cell wall, increased the content of Ca(2+) and phenols, and influenced the composition of monosaccharides in polysaccharide fractions when compared to the Cd treatment. Application of IBA improved the Cd(2+) fixation to the cell wall and increased the endogenous concentration of auxin depleted by Cd treatment. The proposed scheme from obtained results may explain the possible mechanisms of the exogenously applied IBA and its effects on the changes in the binding of Cd(2+) within the cell wall, and on the stimulation of growth that resulted in the amelioration of Cd stress.