Modulation of the Functional Components of Growth, Photosynthesis, and Anti-Oxidant Stress Markers in Cadmium Exposed Brassica juncea L

: Heavy metals (including Cadmium) are being entered into the environment through various sources and cause toxicity to plants. Response of L. var. RLC-1 was evaluated after exposing them to different concentration of cadmium (Cd) for seven days. Seeds of were treated with different concentrations of Cd like 0.2-0.6 mM for 7 days, allowing them to grow in Petri-dishes, and seedlings were examined for different physiological responses. Following exposure to Cd, in the seedlings of growth parameters (root and shoot length), stress markers (lipid peroxidation and H O content), secondary metabolites, photosynthetic pigments, and ion analysis, were estimated along with enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. We observed a significant reduction in root and shoot length after Cd treatment as compared to control seedlings. Malondialdehyde and H O contents were increased accompanied by enhanced Cd uptake. Activities of antioxidative enzymes were also significantly altered following Cd exposure to the seedlings of . Conclusively, we suggest that Cd exposure to the seedlings triggered an induction of several defense responses in including major metabolites.