Selenium is of special interest because of its beneficial nature in human health. It is incorporated into protein by appropriate genetic coding to form selenocystine in ribosome mediated protein synthesis. Several SeCyscontaining enzymes, such selenoprotien P, selenoprotien W, glutathione peroxides, thioredoxin reductase or type I iodothyronine deiodinase have been found mainly in mammals and some bacteria. Selenium is an essential trace element for animals and humans that is obtained from dietary sources including cereals, grains and vegetables. Selenium compounds exert their biological effect either directly or by being incorporated into enzymes and other bio-active proteins. Selenium has anticancer, antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. The selenium content of plants varies considerably according to its concentration in soil. To date there is no direct evidence for the specific incorporation of SeCys in land proteins, thus the investigation of the presence of SeCys-containing protein in plants is of high interest. So the present investigation was to find out the accumulation, estimation of selenium and antioxidant properties in selenium treated plant. The green gram is moderate level selenium accumulating plant. It grows fast producing high biomass therefore it is good candidate for studying selenium accumulation in plant. Wild type green gram plants were treated with 50μM of sodium selenite for 5 days in triplicates and a control plant was maintained with out selenium treatment. Selenium concentration was estimated using ICP-MS. Analysis of antioxidant property in selenium enriched green gram was done by DPPH method. Based on the result, the antioxidant activity was higher in selenium enriched green gram than the control plant.
Selenium, Selenocystine, ICP – MS, Antioxidant property
