Molecular-genetic basis of cadmium tolerance and accumulation in higher plants

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most wideranging and dangerous pollutants for all living organisms, including plants. At present, intensive studies of the mechanisms of Cd accumulation in plant tissues and plant tolerance to its toxic effect are being performed. Data showed the variation in traits of tolerance to and accumu� lation of Cd in natural populations of both hyperaccumulator species and important crops. A series of mutants with changed sensitivity to this heavy metal was obtained. Several classes of proteins involved in cell responses to Cd ions were revealed in the past decade. The important role of microRNA in plant adaptation to Cd was recently demonstrated. Studies of moleculargenetic mechanisms of Cd tolerance and accumulation in plants are the theoretical basis for the development of technologies for phytoremediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals and provide for the breeding of crop varieties with reduced Cd accumulation.