Immediate response of Chara braunii exposed to zinc and hydrogen peroxide

The immediate effect of zinc (Zn) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in Chara braunii was analyzed in short-time exposure experiments. The exposure concentrations were 12.3, 18.4, and 24.5 μmol L^?1 H₂O₂, 12, 60, and 120 mg L^?1 Zn, and 12.3 μmol L^?1 H₂O₂ + 12 mg L^?1 Zn, 12.3 μmol L^?1 H₂O₂ + 60 mg L^?1 Zn, and 18.4 μmol L^?1 H₂O₂ + 12 mg L^?1 Zn. The stress response of C. braunii was analyzed by measuring photosynthetic photosystem II activity, chlorophyll a and b and carotenoid contents, the H₂O₂ concentration, and antioxidant enzyme activities of ascorbic peroxidase, catalase, and guaiacol peroxidase. The short-term addition of Zn reduced pigment contents in C. braunii. Chlorophyll a and b and carotenoid contents in H₂O₂-exposed C. braunii were as high as in control plants. Photosynthesis was reduced in H₂O₂-treated C. braunii and the short-term addition of Zn did not affect the electron transport rate. H₂O₂ concentration and antioxidant enzyme activities in C. braunii were not significantly different between control and exposed plants. Trends of enzymatic adaptation were described: the H₂O₂-induced stress response was characterized by increased antioxidant enzyme activities, whereas Zn inactivated catalase in C. braunii.