The influence of heavy metal stress on the level of some flavonols in the primary leaves of Phaseolus coccineus

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of flavonols was carried out in young and older primary leaves of runner bean plants (Phaseolus coccineus L.) treated with Cd2+ (25 muM) and Cu2+ excess (25 and 300 muM) for 12 days. The presence of quercetin-3-O-D-rhamnoside. kaempferol-3-O-D-rhamnoside, quercetin-3-O-D-glucuronide and kaempferol-3-O-D-glucuronide was found in the plant. Quercetin-3-O-D-rhamnoside predominated in the control and heavy metal-stressed plants. The content of individual flavonols increased under heavy metal treatment, particularly in young plants. The flavonol level depended on the metal and its concentration. A protective role of flavonols in plants under heavy metal stress is discussed.