ABSTRACT.
Currently, the concentration of heavy metals such as zinc and copper in the environment is increasing, mainly due to human activity. Zinc and copper are important elements for a number of biochemical processes in
plants. Biochemical parameters were studied in 30-day wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in response to Cu and Zn stress.
The plant had a decrease in growth, the content of chlorophyll, carbohydrates, and protein. At high concentrations of Cu
and Zn, the carbohydrate content in the leaves decreased significantly (control – 2.56 mg/g, 1 g of copper – 2.32 mg/g,
2 g of copper – 1.52 mg/g, 5 g of copper – 1.02 mg/g, 1 g of zinc – 2.45 mg/g, 2 g of zinc – 1.87 mg/g, 5 g of zinc –
1.15 mg/g). At high concentrations of Cu and Zn, the carbohydrate content in the leaves decreased significantly (control
– 2.56 mg/g, 1 g of copper – 2.32 mg/g, 2 g of copper – 1.52 mg/g, 5 g of copper – 1.02 mg/g, 1 g of zinc – 2.45 mg/g,
2 g of zinc – 1.87 mg/g, 5 g of zinc – 1.15 mg/g).
KEYWORDS: heavy metals, cereals, grains, wheat.