4.7 Article

Effects of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride on the photosynthetic system and metabolism of maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings

Journal

ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
Volume 161, Issue -, Pages 648-654

Publisher

ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.06.037

Keywords

Imidazolium-based ionic liquids; Maize; Chlorophyll; Photosynthesis; RNA sequencing; Metabolism

Funding

  1. National Natural Science Foundation of China [31500439, 31401303]
  2. Ph.D. Program Foundation of Shaanxi Province, China [111021504]

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Ionic liquids (ILs) are widely used in various chemical processes. However, a growing number of studies have found that ILs are potentially toxic to different types of living organisms, including crops. The present study analysed the effects of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C-4 mim]Cl) on the photosynthetic system and metabolism of maize seedlings. Results showed that [C-4 mim]Cl could significantly reduce maize leaf chlorophyll level and cause extensive leaf bleaching. The activity of photosystem II (PSII) was significantly inhibited when seedlings exposed to higher concentration of [C-4 mim]Cl. The maximum quantum yield of PSII and the potential efficiency of PSII were reduced by 63% and 88% under 800 mg/L [C-4 mim]Cl treatment in comparison with the control treatment. The RNA sequencing analysis performed to examine gene expression profiles of maize leaves under [C-4 mim]Cl treatment revealed 639 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 115 of which were categorized into different metabolic pathways. Among these DEGs, the seven genes involved in the photosynthetic Calvin cycle were down-regulated by [C-4 mim]Cl exposure. For carbohydrates and amino acids metabolism, the genes for starch synthesis were down-regulated, while the genes for amino acids and protein degradation were up-regulated. The changes observed in these major metabolic pathways might be an important reason for [C-4 mim]Cl toxicity.

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