We studied the effect of cadmium (100 μM) on the expression of the genes encoding ATP-dependent serine proteinases of chloroplasts and mitochondria (ClpP, Lon1), cysteine proteinase (Cys), as well as the inhibitor of cysteine proteinase (inСys) in the leaves of spring wheat sprouts (Leningradskaya 97 var.). In the early period (5 h) of the exposure the expression of the genes of proteolytic enzymes ClpP & Lon1 is intensified, but the content of the transcripts of these genes decreases further on (3–4 days) to the original values. The content of the proteinase inhibitor gene inСys transcripts also dropped sharply in the early period (first hours) of exposure to cadmium, and then returned to the initial level. In contrast, Cys gene expressions remained lowered throughout the exposure. The resultant data are regarded as evidence for participation of proteolytic enzymes and their inhibitors in nonspecific protective-adaptive responses of wheat plants.