RESPONSE OF ANTIOXIDANT DEFENCE SYSTEM TO CADMIUM-INDUCED TOXICITY IN WHITE ROT FUNGUS Phanerochaete chrysosporium

The effect of different cadmium (Cd) concentrations (5 mu M and 500 mu M) on antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1), catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6), glutathione reductase (OR, EC 1.8.1.7) and glutathione S-transferase (GST, EC 2.5.1.18), and glutathione levels was studied in white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium (ME446), grown in liquid medium. Exposure to 500 mu M Cd resulted in significant induction of SOD actvity. Exposure to high (500 mu M) and low concentration (5 mu M) led to a clear induction of CAT activity with respect to control group. Exposure to 5 mu M Cd increased GR activity. GST activity was induced but GSH level reduced by exposure to 5 mu M Cd.