Genotoxic Effects Of Lead (Pb) On Seedlings Of Bread Wheat Triticum Aestivum

Abstract

The genotoxic effects of heavy metal pollution are rapidly increasing due to anthropogenic activities. Rivers near major cities are contaminated with heavy metals such as Pb, As, and Cd, posing a significant risk to crops in the surrounding areas. The rising level of heavy metals in Ganga water is leading to a rapid increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), which pose a serious threat to the protein, lipid, and DNA content in plants. Plants possess a natural defense system that protects them from reactive oxygen species (ROS). Catalase and peroxidase are among the most common antioxidant enzymes in plants and are responsible for converting reactive oxygen species (ROS) into water and oxygen. Triticum aestivum is a globally important cereal crop and primary source of bread. This study aimed to examine the cytological and physiological effects of lead (Pb) pollution in Ganga water. The impact of Pb toxicity on the growth and development of Triticum aestivum seedlings was assessed through seed germination, cytotoxicity analysis, enzymatic assays, and Pb bioaccumulation in the seedlings. A significant increase in APx and GPx enzyme activities was observed, along with chromosomal abnormalities such as reduced condensation of chromatin, chromosomal laggards, C-mitosis, anaphase bridges, micronuclei formation, and vagrant metaphase, as a result of high Pb accumulation in the mitotic cells of Triticum aestivum.