Arsenite and arsenate impact the oxidative status and antioxidant responses in Ocimum tenuiflorum L.

Biochemical responses of Ocimum tenuiflorum plants were studied upon exposure to arsenite (AsIII) and arsenate (AsV) for 1 to 10 d. Plants accumulated significant amounts of As in leaves (662 μg g(-1) dry weight; DW and 412 μg g(-1) DW in response to 100 μM AsIII and AsV exposure, respectively after 10 d). Consequently, fresh weight and growth of plants declined in a concentration dependent manner. Further, total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents also declined while oxidative stress markers increased, particularly on longer durations. Various antioxidant enzymes and thiols (cysteine and glutathione; GSH) showed significant and variable increases upon exposure to AsV and AsIII with the response being comparatively better in response to AsV. Proline increased significantly upon exposure to both AsIII and AsV. Plants thus tolerated high As concentrations through induced antioxidant machinery.