OsCaM1-1 overexpression in the transgenic rice mitigated salt- induced oxidative damage

Various physiological and biochemical parameters associated with improved salinity tolerance in the transgenic rice lines overexpressing OsCaM1-1 gene and wild-type KDML105 were compared 3 d after exposure to 150 mM NaCl. The results showed higher relative water content, relative growth rate, content of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls a, b, and carotenoids), DPPH scavenging activity, and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase in the transgenic plants when compared with the wild-type and control, KDML105 transformed with blank vector, whereas H2O2 content, Na/K and Na/Ca ratio, lipid peroxidation, and electrolytic leakage were lower. Taken together, the OsCaM1-1 gene overexpression probably reduced salt-induced oxidative damage in the transgenic plants by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes.