Author/Authors :
Yıldız, Mustafa Afyon Kocatepe Üniversitesi - Fen Edebiyat Fakültesi - Biyoloji Bölümü, Turkey , Cenkci, Süleyman Afyon Kocatepe Üniversitesi - Fen Edebiyat Fakültesi - Biyoloji Bölümü, Turkey , Terzi, Hakan Afyon Kocatepe Üniversitesi - Fen Edebiyat Fakültesi - Biyoloji Bölümü, Turkey
Title Of Article :
Phytochelatins and Metallothioneins: Molecular Approaches
Abstract :
Phytochelatins (PCs) and metallothioneins (MTs) are cysteine-rich proteins present in plants and other organisms. PCs are enzymatically synthesized from glutathione by PC synthase (PCS), whereas MTs are gene-encoded polypeptides. In plants, PCs and MTs are suggested to be involved in heavy metal tolerance or homeostasis, as they are able to bind metal ions. The genes encoding the enzyme PC synthase and MTs have been identified in plants and other organisms. Genetic manipulation of PCs and MTs related genes is crucial for developing heavy metal tolerance in plants. In this review, the recent advances in biosynthesis of PCs and MTs and their expression, regulation and possible functions under heavy metal stress are discussed.
NaturalLanguageKeyword :
Plants , Heavy metal stress , Phytochelatins , Metallothioneins , Detoxification , Tolerance
JournalTitle :
Afyon Kocatepe University Journal Of Science and Engineering
