Characterization of the Metallothionein Gene Family in <i>Avena sativa</i> L. and the Gene Expression during Seed Germination and Heavy Metal Stress

• Main Authors: Wiktoria Konieczna (Author), Agnieszka Mierek-Adamska (Author), Natalia Chojnacka (Author), Marcel Antoszewski (Author), Aleksandra Szydłowska-Czerniak (Author), Grażyna B. Dąbrowska (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: MDPI AG, 2023-10-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Metallothioneins (MTs) are a family of small proteins rich in cysteine residues. The sulfhydryl group of metallothioneins can bind to metal ions, maintaining metal homeostasis and protecting the cells from damage caused by toxic heavy metals. Moreover, MTs can function as reactive oxygen species sca...