The Effects of Ultraviolet Light on Anthocyanin Accumulation in the Adventitious Roots of Sedum wrightii (Crassulaceae)

Several studies have supported the idea that anthocyanin accumulation may be a possible protection mechanism in plants against DNA damage caused by ultraviolet radiation (UV). This study explored the accumulation of anthocyanins in the adventitious root tips of Sedum wrightii using the following treatments: UVA, UVA+low UVB, and UVA+high UVB. Following exposure to UV radiation, samples were analyzed for anthocyanin accumulation using an ethanol extraction procedure. Using ELISA, additional root samples were analyzed for indicators of DNA damage: cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and pyrimidine (6-4) pyrimidone dimers (6-4 PPs). The anthocyanin concentrations were significantly higher in the UVA + high UVB treatment than the other groups. The ELISA results showed that a difference occurred between the control and the treatments of UVA, UVA+low UVB and UVA+high UVB for CPDs and between the control and the UVB treatments for 6-4 PPs. Anthocyanins accumulated with increased UV exposure. However, additional research is needed to determine the significance of anthocyanins in the adventitious root tips of S. wrightii