Impacts of zinc oxide nano and bulk particles on redox-enzymes of the Punica granatum callus

The structure and function of cellular membranes were sustained by redox-enzymes. We studied the interaction between the oxidative stress caused by excessive accumulation of ZnO-nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) in plants and the role of redox-enzymes that can alleviate this stress. The crude callus extract from pomegranate, which was treated with 0, 10, and 150 µg mL−1 ZnO-NPs or bulk particles (ZnO-BPs), was applied to study the activity and kinetics of redox-enzymes. The elevated ZnO-NPs, enhanced the lipoxygenase and polyphenol oxidase activity, while the ZnO-BPs did not modify them. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase were induced under ZnO-NPs or BPs treatments, whilst the opposite trend of peroxidase was observed. Ascorbate peroxidase activity increased under ZnO-NPs treatments but decreased under ZnO-BPs. The kinetics activity of enzymes showed changes under different levels of NPs and BPs. Additionally, NPs or BPs treatments reduced the uptake of copper, iron, magnesium, but increased zinc accumulation in callus tissues. Meanwhile, these treatments enhanced the accumulation of manganese ions but did not affect the accumulation of potassium and phosphorous in ZnO-NPs or BPs-stressed calli. Collectively, these results gave a quantitative evaluation of the competition of zinc and other minerals on the carriers, and in addition, they provided a basis for how to control ZnO-NPs or BPs toxicity via redox-enzymes.

Pearl Millet: boon in mineral deficiency: A review

Mineral deficiency can be defined as a condition that caused due to reduced level of any of the minerals essential to human health. Low mineral concentration may impair a function dependent on that mineral in a body. Minerals support normal growth and development through various biochemical reactions. Its deficiencies can lead to a variety of health problems, such as fatigue, weak bones or a low immunity and other disorders. A large section of today’s population is suffering from micronutrient deficiencies caused largely by deficiency of vitamins and minerals. Iron and Zinc deficiency is the most common and widespread nutritional disorder in the world, and is a public health problem in both developed and developing countries. Widespread malnutrition specially among children is of great concern as it affects child growth, cognitive development and resistance to infection. Malnutrition due to mineral deficiency is a great concern in India as large number of children are suffering mineral deficiency due to insufficient mineral rich diet. Pearl Millets is important cereal crop and provides various minerals which are required for the wellbeing of a human body. It is enriched with Iron, Zinc and other minerals and its inclusion in diet through various food products could be useful in battling mineral deficiency.