GLUTATHIONE-INDUCED RECOVERY IN CHLORELLA CELLS FROM METAL TOXICITY

A number of ecotypes of plants and algae with increased tolerance to h eavy metals have been isolated from sites that are polluted with metal s leading to their application in bioremediation of contaminated ecosy stems Glutathione is a key component involved in development of resist ance/tolerance. The present study was focused on identifying the inhib itory concentrations and effects of copper, nickel and zinc on the gro wth of Chlorella sp. and recovery of cells from metal toxicity in the presence of reduced glutathione (GSH). The observations made during th e study showed that toxicity of copper, nickel and zinc is ameliorated in the presence of GSH GSH was also observed to indirectly facilitate the recovery of functional viability (as indicated by chlorophyll con tent) of the cells.