Both the concentration and redox state of glutathione and ascorbate influence the sensitivity of arabidopsis to cadmium

Our observations indicate that GSH and AsA deficiency differentially alter plant GSH homeostasis, resulting in opposite Cd sensitivities relative to wild-type plants. Upon Cd exposure, GSH-deficient mutants were hampered in chelation. They experienced phenotypic disturbances and even more oxidative stress, and therefore activated multiple alternative pathways such as SOD, CAT and ascorbate peroxidase, indicating a higher Cd sensitivity. Ascorbate deficiency, however, was associated with enhanced PC synthesis in comparison with wild-type plants after Cd exposure, which contributed to decreased sensitivity towards Cd.