Abstract
Microbeam studies over the past decade have garnered unique insight into manganese (Mn) homeostasis in plant species that hyperaccumulate this essential mineral micronutrient. Electron- and/or proton-probe methodologies employed to examine tissue elemental distributions have proven highly effective in illuminating excess foliar Mn disposal strategies, some apparently unique to Mn hyperaccumulating plants. When applied to samples prepared with minimal artefacts, these are powerful tools for extracting true ‘snapshot’ data of living systems. For a range of reasons, Mn hyperaccumulation is particularly suited to in vivo interrogation by this approach. Whilst microbeam investigation of metallophytes is well documented, certain methods originally intended for non-biological samples are now widely applied in biology. This review examines current knowledge about Mn hyperaccumulators with reference to microbeam methodologies, and discusses implications for future research into metal transporters.
Highlights
It is clear that natural systems are increasingly under threat from human activities, with dire predictions for the future survival of many biota
Whilst economic and environmental factors are major drivers of scientific research in this area, it is likely that accessibility and ease of propagation influence species selection for study
Published research; it should be encouraged in order to enable independent verification of species
Summary
The intrinsic value of plant hyperaccumulation as a resource for expanding fundamental knowledge is as well recognized as are its potential practical benefits (Brooks, 1987; Baker and Brooks, 1989; Baker et al, 1992; Brooks, 1998; Brooks and Robinson, 2000; Chaney et al, 2000; Pollard, 2000; Reeves and Baker, 2000; Lombi et al, 2001; Macnair, 2003; Whiting et al, 2004; Meharg, 2005; Reeves, 2005; Chaney et al, 2007). Among well confirmed Mn hyperaccumulators are seven trees and a shrub species from Australia (Bidwell et al, 2002; Fernando et al, 2009), seven woody plants from New Caledonia (Brooks, 1998), a tree and a herb native to China (Xue et al, 2004; Yang et al, 2008), a herb native to the USA (Min et al, 2007; Pollard et al, 2009) and a tree native to Japan (Mizuno et al, 2008). It is an uncommon practice to provide herbarium vouchers on hyperaccumulator plants in www.frontiersin.org
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
