A hydroponic experiment was carried out in a growth chamber to investigate the impact of cadmium (Cd) levels on the anatomical, morphological, and biochemical characteristics of a bean. The membrane lipid peroxidation (LPO), proline accumulation and the activity of bean seedling catalase following Cd toxicity were investigated. A significant increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and a the stimulation of catalase (CAT, 1.11.1.6) activity were recorded in bean seedlings subjected to 2, 4, 8 and 16 ppm Cd. Plant height and chlorophyll content of the seedlings were also significantly affected in a dose-dependent manner by cadmium treatment. In addition a high cadmium concentration caused a significant increase in the number and size of the spongy mesophyll cells. The cortical tissue of a cadmium-exposed shoot is broader and contains large cells. Results also indicated that nodulation was inhibited by increasing metal concentrations and there was a considerable amount of proline accumulation observed in response to Cd treatment. The results also indicated that increasing the activity of the anti-oxidant enzymes was insufficient to protect the cell membrane against Cd toxicity.