Effect of Arsenic on Amino Acids Level in a Common Indian Grasshopper

Amino acids are the building blocks of the body and play a significant role in metal binding and antioxidant defence. Arsenic is a widespread pollutant and an attempt was made in the present study, to observe the effect of mild stress of arsenic on the essential and non-essential amino acids in a common Indian grasshopper, namely, Gesonula punctifrons. The study revealed a significant increase in total amino acids content in compared to the untreated grasshoppers with the advancement of doses during 96 hours of the experiment. Study showed an increase in the level of Glycine indicating the recovery from the effect of Arsenic in G. punctifrons. Alanine and Arginine maintained steady state in the untreated as well as in the dosed grasshoppers which means the strengthening of immune system of the insects during the treatment with the heavy metals. Detoxification of the effect of arsenic was done by increasing the amount of Cystine and Glutamic acid, precursors of antioxidant like Glutathione.