Modifying effects of divalent ions on the sulfhydryl content of normal and tumorous beet root tissue under thermal and γ-irradiation stress

Abstract

Temperature and γ-irradiation stresses result in the loss of DTNB (5-5′ Dithionitrobenzoic acid) - reactive sulfhydryl groups in the TCA (trichloroacetic acid)-insoluble protein of normal and tumorous beet root tissue. Metal ions like Ca2+, Zn2+, and Pb2+ have been found to partially prevent the change of-SH quantity under stress conditions. An attempt has been made to correlate the observed loss of DTNB - reactive sulfhydryl content with the loss of membrane permeability under thermal and irradiation conditions. © 1981 Birkhäuser Verlag.