Expression of Metallothionein-Like Protein 2B Gene Induced by Different Concentrations of Copper in White Spruce (<i>Picea glauca</i>)

The alterations to the expressions of metal transporter genes can induce ion uptake maintain cell homeostasis when concentrations are low. Metallothioneins (MTs) a class low molecular mass (4-8 kDa), cysteine (Cys)-rich proteins that bind metals via thiol groups their Cys residues. Studies on MT gene in higher plants, such as conifers, limited. White spruce (Picea glauca) is North American native conifer species ecologically and economically important. objective study determine effects different copper MT2b expression white (P. glauca). Seedlings were treated with three sulfate including 1,312, 656, 130 mg/kg. Potassium water used controls. Total RNA was extracted from roots needles. levels measured using RT-qPCR. present reports for first time, novel information effect ions P. glauca. upregulated seedlings exposed 1,312 mg/kg but downregulated genotypes 656 both tissues compared control. significantly needles concentration. regardless or potassium used. highly expressed copper-resistant inhibited susceptible