Antimony (Sb), a metalloid that exists in nature as a trace element, has long been used extensively in various types of industrial applications. Sb is a potentially toxic element and can be taken up by agricultural crops. However, the mechanisms through which Sb(III) affects plants remain poorly understood. To explore the effects of Sb(III) on wheat, responses of physical growth properties, enzyme activities and gene expression were examined using hydroponic growth conditions. The impact of Sb(III) on wheat roots was more serious than that on wheat shoots when the length of the plant tissue was the endpoint. In roots, SOD contributes to Sb tolerance by eliminating H₂O₂, whereas SOD and POD play an important role in defense against oxidative damage in shoots. The root length, root fresh weight and NRAMP1 gene expression at 1 mg L^-1 were the most relevant indicator to exposure concentration, the most sensitive inhibitory EC₅₀ (50% effect concentration) endpoint, and the most sensitive indicator, respectively. The genes HMA2 and IRT1 were upregulated but less sensitive than NRAMP1.