Chapter 3 - Silicon uptake, acquisition, and accumulation in plants

Abstract

There is ample evidence that silicon (Si) accumulation protects higher plants from both biotic and abiotic stresses. To benefit from Si, a cooperative influx and efflux transporter system has been characterized which is involved in Si transport in higher plants. The channel-type transporter (Lsi1) mediates the passive transport of Si from the external solution to the plant cell, while, the efflux transporter (Lsi2) facilitates the transport of the Si out of the cell. Furthermore, an influx transporter Lsi6 has also been identified in graminaceous species, like rice, barley, and corn and is responsible for xylem unloading of Si. Lsi3 is also another efflux Si transporter which has been recently identified in rice node and could transport Si across parenchyma cell layers. In this chapter, an overview will be considered to discuss the most recent discovery in Si uptake, transport, and accumulation by plants.