Alteration in growth and some relevant metabolic processes of broad bean plants during extreme temperatures exposure

The effect of heat-shock (42 °C) or chilling-shock (5 °C) on growth and some relevant metabolic changes of broad bean (Vicia faba L.) were studied. Both heat and chilling-stress induced a reduction in growth rate, membrane stability and content of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids). K⁺ efflux and UV absorbance increased at increasing or decreasing temperature. Considerable variations in the content of cell-wall components (pectin, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin), cell-wall associated proteins, soluble sugars, starch, total lipids, glycolipids, phospholipids and sterols were induced by extreme temperure.