Changes in Cell Wall Polyssacharides of Scenedesmus rotundus and Pseudochlorella pringsheimii to Elevated Levels of Cadmium and Zinc

Abstract

Abiotic stress is considered to be one of the major problems in living organisms beyond the range of normal variation of adverse effects. Different organisms respond to abiotic stresses in different ways. These effects tend to be visible through morphological changes in the organism. Micro algae being the first primitive organism in the web cycle are prompt for the exposed contamination. Many micro algal species growing in metal polluted environments shows ability to tolerate large concentration of metals. The cell wall being at the interface, between the system and surrounding, provides a protective barrier to reduce the entry of the metal into the system. Most studies related to selective adsorption of metal ions to the cell wall have investigated adsorption of metals to dead algal biomass. Studies pertaining to uptake of metals by living cells and subsequent internalization are meagre. This ability of the micro algae is confabulated for survival and is done by activation of various types of altered defense mechanisms. The present study is aimed at understanding the growth pattern and the expression of the polysaccharides of Scenedesmus rotundus and Pseudochlorella pringsheimii to the elevated level of Cadmium and Zinc.