How does cadmium increases oxidative stress on plants?
1 answer
Cadmium increases oxidative stress on plants by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plant tissues. These ROS include superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals, which can damage proteins, lipids, DNA, and other cellular components. Cadmium disrupts the balance between the production of ROS and the antioxidant defense system, leading to oxidative stress. Additionally, cadmium can inhibit the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase, further exacerbating oxidative damage in plants.