This study highlights the role of ZnONPs on enhanced seedlings growth responses. Addition of ZnONPs decreases MDA level indicating the reduced membrane damage. Accumulation of higher level of Cd and Pb ions was achieved by addition of ZnONPs. ZnONPs enhanced the level of antioxidative defense enzymes and related metabolites. RAPD exhibited a decreased level of metal genotoxicity in the presence of ZnONPs.