Effects of Cadmium on Some Biochemical Parameters and Nitrate Redutase activity in Zea mays L. Plants.

Maize (Zea mays L) plants grown in hydroponic culture were treated with 0, 50 and 100 μmCdCl2. Growth parameters and some biochemical changes were studied in roots and shoots of plants. The results showed that with increasing Cd concentration, root weight, pigment contents (chlorophyll a and b and total carotenoids), reduction of dichlorophenol indophenol, nitrate content and nitrate reductase activity were decreased, while free amino acide, non-protein thiols, endogenous H2O2 and malondealdyde as indicator lipid of peroxidation were increased.