Abstract
Worldwide, the effects of metal and metalloid toxicity are increasing, mainly due to anthropogenic causes. Soil contamination ranks among the most important factors, since it affects crop yield, and the metals/metalloids can enter the food chain and undergo biomagnification, having concomitant effects on human health and alterations to the environment. Plants have developed complex mechanisms to overcome these biotic and abiotic stresses during evolution. Metals and metalloids exert several effects on plants generated by elements such as Zn, Cu, Al, Pb, Cd, and As, among others. The main strategies involve hyperaccumulation, tolerance, exclusion, and chelation with organic molecules. Recent studies in the omics era have increased knowledge on the plant genome and transcriptome plasticity to defend against these stimuli. The aim of the present review is to summarize relevant findings on the mechanisms by which plants take up, accumulate, transport, tolerate, and respond to this metal/metalloid stress. We also address some of the potential applications of biotechnology to improve plant tolerance or increase accumulation.
Highlights
IntroductionMetals and metalloid ions are a natural part of our planet and are present in the diverse layers that compose it
Ewa Hanus-FajerskaMetals and metalloid ions are a natural part of our planet and are present in the diverse layers that compose it
10 genotypes screened in hydroponic culture with varying concentrations of nickel chloride (0–50 μM)
Summary
Metals and metalloid ions are a natural part of our planet and are present in the diverse layers that compose it When their levels are found in high concentrations, toxicity for many of its life forms (microorganisms, plants, animals, and humans) can result [1,2]. In addition to their natural presence in the environment, human activity has largely contributed to their liberation from these natural sources, causing contamination of soils, rivers, oceans, and the atmosphere [3].
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