The morphogenic responses and phytochelatin complexes induced by arsenic in Pteris vittata change in the presence of cadmium
Arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) are toxic elements frequently present simultaneously in the environment. Pteris vittata L. (Chinese brake fern) is a natural As hyperaccumulator, able to accumulate very high levels of As in the fronds. The fern is also capable to adsorb Cd and to accumulate it, at moderate levels, in the root. To date, the mechanisms triggered by the fern in the presence of As and Cd are poorly known, and it is unknown whether Cd alters the fern As hyperaccumulating capabilities. The research aim was to analyse the responses of P.