The Effect of Air Pollution on Proline and Protein Content and Activity of Nitrate Reductase Enzyme in Laurus nobilis L. Plants

Abstract

Nowadays, along with population growth, industrial development and more use of fossil fuel resources; the damages caused by polluted air are being increased across the world. Because of the important role of plants, especially broadleaf plants, in the adsorption of air pollutants, identification of plants resistant to pollution and resistance mechanisms of these plants are essential. In this study, the effect of air pollution on proline and protein content as two metabolites affecting resistance of plants against stresses and especially air pollution, and the activity of the nitrate reductase enzyme as the primer enzyme of biosynthesis pathways of amino acids and synthesis of proteins are investigated in Laurus nobilis L. Plant. The results showed that air pollution in this plant could lead to significant increase in proline and protein and activity of the nitrate reductase enzyme and the increase was significant at the level of p < 0.01. Therefore, Laurus nobilis L. Plant as a broadleaf and evergreen plant could be a good choice for polluted cities.