Physio-biochemical and transcriptomic analysis reveals underlying mechanism of Cys-induced amelioration of Cd toxicity in maize

The present study integrates both physio-biochemical and transcriptomic data to provide a more holistic view of how Cys confers Cd tolerance in maize. Hence, this study uniquely identifies key Cys-responsive genes involved in antioxidant defense, metal transport, and photosynthesis under Cd stress-offering new molecular targets that were not previously reported in maize or other species.