Effect of Zinc on Germination Behavior and Protein Profile of Helianthus Annuus L. Seedlings

Present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of zinc (1, 5, and 10mM) on biomass production and protein profile of Helianthus annuus seedlings after 72 hours of germination.Maximum seedling growth was observed in 1mM ZnSO 4 treatment and the germination rate showed a gradual reduction in higher concentrations.The inhibitory effect of Zn toxicity on root and hypocotyls growth was proportionate to the concentrations of Zn.Electrophoretic analysis of the protein fractions revealed that during germination of seedlings growing up to 72 hrs., the intensities of bands slightly increased in 10mM concentration.Results strongly indicate that in spite of significant morphological changes, the protein distribution pattern of Helianthus annuus remains unaltered due to Zn toxicity and 10 mM concentration imposes no toxicity in the metabolism of seedlings.