Effect of cadmium on lipid composition of pepper

Seedlings (2 weeks old) of pepper (Capsicum annum) were grown in nutrient s olution with added CdCl2 (10 or 50 muM) for 7 days. In Cd-treated plants, c hanges in acyl lipids and fatty acid composition were investigated. Cd part icularly lowered the amount of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol(MGDG) and enhan ced accumulation of phospholipids [phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylet hanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol] in leaves. In contrast, content of PC and galactolipids (MGDG and digalactosyldiacylglycerol) decreased in roots. Fatty acid composition of leaves was also changed by Cd addition to extern al medium, but no important changes occurred in roots. Levels of leaf polyu nsaturated fatty acids, especially 18:3 and 16:3, were reduced. Lipid and f atty acid composition changes in roots are discussed in relation to Cd tole rance in pepper.