Characterisation of early responses to cadmium in roots of Salix matsudana Koidz

This study deals with the characterisation of early responses of roots of Salix matsudana in respect to oxidative stress, subcellular distribution, and chemical forms when exposed to 50 μmol/L Cd. Within 12 h, the root length is reduced and the contents of O₂^??, H₂O₂, and malondialdehyde are increased by 49%, 43%, and 35%. Cd is mainly retained in the cell walls; small amounts are distributed into other cell organelles. The largest proportion of Cd is found in the NaCl extractable, pectate-, and protein-integrated fraction.