Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Barley (Hordeum vulgare L., cv. Hemus) plants were grown in nutrient solution with or without 54 µM Cd2+ for 12 d. A treatment with Cd2+ inhibited the growth of young barley plants. The main factor limiting plant growth was net assimilation rate, due to decreased photosynthetic rate and accelerated dark respiration rate. One of the reasons for the reduced photosynthetic rate was the lower chlorophyll and carotenoid content. Cd2+ decreased water potential and transpiration rate, but relative water content in leaves of the treated plants was not significantly changed.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Vassilev et al. (1998) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: