Copper stress in Cannabis sativa roots:: morphological and proteomic analysis

This work investigated copper effect on the root morphology and root proteome of Cannabis sativa plants grown in the absence or in the presence of 150 ppm CuSO4. Copper is an essential trace element in plants, but it becomes strongly phytotoxic at high concentrations. Root systems, though genetically determined, are very plastic and can be affected by a number of environmental factors, including metals. The resulting differences in root morphology and protein expression were indicative of a good C. sativa tolerance to copper. A group of proteins involved into plant adaptation to metal chronic stress has been detected.