Casparian Strip Research Articles

重金属镉（Cd）在植物体内的转运途径及其调控机制

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 重金属镉(Cd)在植物体内的转运途径及其调控机制 DOI: 10.5846/stxb201404170754 作者: 作者单位: 兰州大学 草地农业生态系统国家重点实验室,兰州大学 草地农业生态系统国家重点实验室,兰州大学 草地农业生态系统国家重点实验室,兰州大学 草地农业生态系统国家重点实验室,兰州大学 草地农业生态系统国家重点实验室,兰州大学 资源环境学院,兰州大学 草地农业生态系统国家重点实验室 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 国家自然科学基金(31270558) Transport pathways of cadmium (Cd) and its regulatory mechanisms in plant Author: Affiliation: State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems,School of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology,Lanzhou University,Lanzhou,State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems,School of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology,Lanzhou University,Lanzhou,State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems,School of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology,Lanzhou University,Lanzhou,State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems,School of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology,Lanzhou University,Lanzhou,State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems,School of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology,Lanzhou University,Lanzhou,Schools of Earth and Environmental Science,Lanzhou University,Lanzhou,State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems,School of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology,Lanzhou University,Lanzhou,;China;Schools of Earth and Environmental Science,Lanzhou University,Lanzhou,;China Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:重金属镉(Cd)的毒害效应与其由土壤向植物地上部分运输有关,揭示Cd2+转运途径及其调控机制可为提高植物抗镉性以及镉污染的植物修复提供依据。对Cd2+在植物体内的转运途径,特别是限制Cd2+移动的细胞结构和分子调控机制研究进展进行了回顾。Cd2+通过共质体和质外体途径穿过根部皮层进入木质部的过程中,大部分在皮层细胞间沉积,少部分抵达中柱后转移到地上部分。为了免受Cd2+的危害,植物体产生了多种限制Cd2+吸收和转移的生理生化机制:1)环绕在内皮层径向壁和横向壁上的凯氏带阻止Cd2+以质外体途径进入木质部;2)螯合剂与进入根的Cd2+螯合形成稳定化合物并区隔在液泡中;3)通过H+/Cd2+离子通道等将Cd2+逆向转运出根部。植物共质体和质外体途径转运重金属镉的能力以及两条途径的串扰尚待进一步明晰和阐明。 Abstract:Heavy metal (HM) toxicity is a worldwide concern because it damages plants by altering their major physiological and metabolic processes. The heavy metal cadmium (Cd) is a nonessential element, and is a valid inhibitor of plant growth. The toxic effect of cadmium is closely related to its transfer from the soil to the plant above ground parts. Understanding the transport pathway and regulatory mechanism of cadmium in plants may improve plant resistance to this heavy metal, in addition to providing a theoretical basis for the phytoremediation soils contaminated by cadmium. In this paper, we reviewed the transport pathways of Cd2+ in plants and what limits its mobility based on the cytological structural and molecular regulation mechanism of plants. As the main organ for transporting water and nutrients to the plant body, the plant root is also the main organ that absorbs toxic metals, such as cadmium. During the process of Cd2+ transfer from the root cortex to the xylem, most Cd2+ is deposited between the cells of the root cortex, with some reaching stele, before being transferred to the plant organs, such as the leaves in the above ground part of the plant. The transport pathway of Cd2+ through the root cortex is mainly apoplastic, with the cytoplasmic accumulation of Cd2+ possibly causing apoplastic transport towards the vascular cylinder to decline. The transport pathway of Cd2+ in the vascular cylinder is also mostly apoplastic, with cytoplasmic accumulation reducing Cd2+ transfer to the xylem. Since the aboveground parts of plants are more susceptible to Cd2+ poisoning, two cellular strategies to restrict the absorption and transfer of cadmium have evolved. First, the Casparian strip surrounding radial wall and the endodermis wall prevents Cd2+ from entering the root xylem via the apoplastic pathway. In addition, the Casparian strip promotes Cd2+ transport via the endodermis, leading to vacuolar isolation and cytoplasmic precipitation. Second, heavy metal detoxification occurs by chelating Cd2+ to form stable compounds, which are then deposited inside the vacuole. Third, excess cadmium also activates oxidative stress defense mechanisms and the synthesis of heavy metal stress related proteins to minimize metal toxicity, which includes the use of metallothiones and ion channels, such as H+/Cd2+ binding or sequestrating Cd2+ into vacuoles. For systematic improvements in the phytoremediation of heavy metal pollution, a more comprehensive understanding of cellular mechanisms involved in Cd avoidance, uptake, transport, and accumulation is required. Furthermore, the excluder strategy by extensive sequestration and retranslocation of cadmium through symplastic and apoplastic pathways should be confirmed and explored in future studies. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

Translocation and biotransformation of CuO nanoparticles in rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants

Metal-based nanoparticles (MNPs) may be translocated and biochemically modified in vivo, which may influence the fate of MNPs in the environment. Here, synchrotron-based techniques were used to investigate the behavior of CuO NPs in rice plants exposed to 100 mg/L CuO NPs for 14 days. Micro X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) and micro X-ray absorption near edge structure (μ-XANES) analysis revealed that CuO NPs moved into the root epidermis, exodermis, and cortex, and they ultimately reached the endodermis but could not easily pass the Casparian strip; however, the formation of lateral roots provided a potential pathway for MNPs to enter the stele. Moreover, bulk-XANES data showed that CuO NPs were transported from the roots to the leaves, and that Cu (II) combined with cysteine, citrate, and phosphate ligands and was even reduced to Cu (I). CuO NPs and Cu-citrate were observed in the root cells using soft X-ray scanning transmission microscopy (STXM).

In situ localization of mRNA of resembling the dirigent protein in sugarcane stems

Background The dirigent proteins (DP) families and resembling the DP (DP-like) are exclusive in land plants and related to plants defense and forming phenylpropanoids compounds optically active, mainly pinoresinol [1]. Pinoresinol is converted into a variety of lignans. The dirigent protein involvement is not confirmed in lignin formation, a biopolymer which is a negative factor for the ethanol cellulosic production. However, recently it was demonstrated Arabidopsis DP-like, AtDIR10, localization in the lignin polymerization site and a determinant role in the formation of a lignin specific root structure, named as Casparian strip [2]. Despite of the controversy of the DP forming-lignin its substrate diversity is consistent. Since DPs and DPs-like are represented by numerous members of gene families with high diversified sequences and with unknown functional role for most of them [3]. One of the sugarcane DP-like, named as ShDP1-like, showed special interesting due its high level of expression in the pith of mature stem [3] coinciding with higher level of the sinapyl (S) unit forming lignin [4]. Localization of DP expression to particular cell and tissue types is a necessary prerequisite in understanding the biological role of this gene.

Anatomical and physiological adaptations of mangroves

This review focused on some specific histo-physiological features of the mangroves that help them to adjust and grow extensively in the saline rich coastal regions. Sundarban, the largest chunk of coastal ecosystems of the world located between India and Bangladesh has the widest range of mangrove species in its tidal influenced highly saline soil. Several anatomical characteristics to conserve water are mostly species specific and unique to these plants as such characteristics are not found in their genetically close relatives. The most conspicuous features are succulent leaves with increased mesophyll area, thick cuticle and wax deposition on epidermis. Chlorenchyma cells with large vacuoles are often found associated with different forms of salt secreting glands. A cavitation resistant xylem structure in the stem is one of the mechanisms of mangroves to safeguard their water transport. Non-annual growth ring in some mangroves could be a potential proxy for past environmental conditions. Most root systems show reduced cortex with aerenchyma but wider casparian strip. These anatomical characteristics are the basis for their physiological adaptation to high saline condition. Mangroves can regulate ion homeostasis under salt stress by salt secretion, ultrafiltration and ion sequestration. Salinity stress leads to accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), peroxidation of membrane lipids and inactivation of proteins. Mangroves can activate diverse components of their antioxidative system to eliminate H2O2 and restrict the accumulation of ROS. All these characteristics help the mangroves to photosynthesize optimally and show a good vegetative growth under tidal influenced varied saline condition.

A receptor-like kinase mutant with absent endodermal diffusion barrier displays selective nutrient homeostasis defects.

The endodermis represents the main barrier to extracellular diffusion in plant roots, and it is central to current models of plant nutrient uptake. Despite this, little is known about the genes setting up this endodermal barrier. In this study, we report the identification and characterization of a strong barrier mutant, schengen3 (sgn3). We observe a surprising ability of the mutant to maintain nutrient homeostasis, but demonstrate a major defect in maintaining sufficient levels of the macronutrient potassium. We show that SGN3/GASSHO1 is a receptor-like kinase that is necessary for localizing CASPARIAN STRIP DOMAIN PROTEINS (CASPs)--major players of endodermal differentiation--into an uninterrupted, ring-like domain. SGN3 appears to localize into a broader band, embedding growing CASP microdomains. The discovery of SGN3 strongly advances our ability to interrogate mechanisms of plant nutrient homeostasis and provides a novel actor for localized microdomain formation at the endodermal plasma membrane.

ABCG transporters are required for suberin and pollen wall extracellular barriers in Arabidopsis.

Effective regulation of water balance in plants requires localized extracellular barriers that control water and solute movement. We describe a clade of five Arabidopsis thaliana ABCG half-transporters that are required for synthesis of an effective suberin barrier in roots and seed coats (ABCG2, ABCG6, and ABCG20) and for synthesis of an intact pollen wall (ABCG1 and ABCG16). Seed coats of abcg2 abcg6 abcg20 triple mutant plants had increased permeability to tetrazolium red and decreased suberin content. The root system of triple mutant plants was more permeable to water and salts in a zone complementary to that affected by the Casparian strip. Suberin of mutant roots and seed coats had distorted lamellar structure and reduced proportions of aliphatic components. Root wax from the mutant was deficient in alkylhydroxycinnamate esters. These mutant plants also had few lateral roots and precocious secondary growth in primary roots. abcg1 abcg16 double mutants defective in the other two members of the clade had pollen with defects in the nexine layer of the tapetum-derived exine pollen wall and in the pollen-derived intine layer. Mutant pollen collapsed at the time of anther desiccation. These mutants reveal transport requirements for barrier synthesis as well as physiological and developmental consequences of barrier deficiency.

Identification of candidate genes involved in early iron deficiency chlorosis signaling in soybean (Glycine max) roots and leaves.

BackgroundIron is an essential micronutrient for all living things, required in plants for photosynthesis, respiration and metabolism. A lack of bioavailable iron in soil leads to iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC), causing a reduction in photosynthesis and interveinal yellowing of leaves. Soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) grown in high pH soils often suffer from IDC, resulting in substantial yield losses. Iron efficient soybean cultivars maintain photosynthesis and have higher yields under IDC-promoting conditions than inefficient cultivars.ResultsTo capture signaling between roots and leaves and identify genes acting early in the iron efficient cultivar Clark, we conducted a RNA-Seq study at one and six hours after replacing iron sufficient hydroponic media (100 μM iron(III) nitrate nonahydrate) with iron deficient media (50 μM iron(III) nitrate nonahydrate). At one hour of iron stress, few genes were differentially expressed in leaves but many were already changing expression in roots. By six hours, more genes were differentially expressed in the leaves, and a massive shift was observed in the direction of gene expression in both roots and leaves. Further, there was little overlap in differentially expressed genes identified in each tissue and time point.ConclusionsGenes involved in hormone signaling, regulation of DNA replication and iron uptake utilization are key aspects of the early iron-efficiency response. We observed dynamic gene expression differences between roots and leaves, suggesting the involvement of many transcription factors in eliciting rapid changes in gene expression. In roots, genes involved iron uptake and development of Casparian strips were induced one hour after iron stress. In leaves, genes involved in DNA replication and sugar signaling responded to iron deficiency. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and signaling components identified here represent new targets for soybean improvement.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-702) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Radial transport of nutrients: the plant root as a polarized epithelium.

In higher plants, roots acquire water and soil nutrients and transport them upward to their aerial parts. These functions are closely related to their anatomical structure; water and nutrients entering the root first move radially through several concentric layers of the epidermis, cortex, and endodermis before entering the central cylinder. The endodermis is the innermost cortical cell layer that features rings of hydrophobic cell wall material called the Casparian strips, which functionally resemble tight junctions in animal epithelia. Nutrient uptake from the soil can occur through three different routes that can be interconnected in various ways: the apoplastic route (through the cell wall), the symplastic route (through cellular connections), and a coupled trans-cellular route (involving polarized influx and efflux carriers). This Update presents recent advances in the radial transport of nutrients highlighting the coupled trans-cellular pathway and the roles played by the endodermis as a barrier.

Beyond the barrier: communication in the root through the endodermis.

The root endodermis is characterized by the Casparian strip and by the suberin lamellae, two hydrophobic barriers that restrict the free diffusion of molecules between the inner cell layers of the root and the outer environment. The presence of these barriers and the position of the endodermis between the inner and outer parts of the root require that communication between these two domains acts through the endodermis. Recent work on hormone signaling, propagation of calcium waves, and plant-fungal symbiosis has provided evidence in support of the hypothesis that the endodermis acts as a signaling center. The endodermis is also a unique mechanical barrier to organogenesis, which must be overcome through chemical and mechanical cross talk between cell layers to allow for development of new lateral organs while maintaining its barrier functions. In this review, we discuss recent findings regarding these two important aspects of the endodermis.

RCN1/OsABCG5, an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter, is required for hypodermal suberization of roots in rice (Oryza sativa).

Suberin is a complex polymer composed of aliphatic and phenolic compounds. It is a constituent of apoplastic plant interfaces. In many plant species, including rice (Oryza sativa), the hypodermis in the outer part of roots forms a suberized cell wall (the Casparian strip and/or suberin lamellae), which inhibits the flow of water and ions and protects against pathogens. To date, there is no genetic evidence that suberin forms an apoplastic transport barrier in the hypodermis. We discovered that a rice reduced culm number1 (rcn1) mutant could not develop roots longer than 100 mm in waterlogged soil. The mutated gene encoded an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter named RCN1/OsABCG5. RCN1/OsABCG5 gene expression in the wild type was increased in most hypodermal and some endodermal roots cells under stagnant deoxygenated conditions. A GFP-RCN1/OsABCG5 fusion protein localized at the plasma membrane of the wild type. Under stagnant deoxygenated conditions, well suberized hypodermis developed in wild types but not in rcn1 mutants. Under stagnant deoxygenated conditions, apoplastic tracers (periodic acid and berberine) were blocked at the hypodermis in the wild type but not in rcn1, indicating that the apoplastic barrier in the mutant was impaired. The amount of the major aliphatic suberin monomers originating from C(28) and C(30) fatty acids or ω-OH fatty acids was much lower in rcn1 than in the wild type. These findings suggest that RCN1/OsABCG5 has a role in the suberization of the hypodermis of rice roots, which contributes to formation of the apoplastic barrier.

Salinity-induced changes in the root development of a northern woody species, Cornus sericea

To study the salt-induced changes in root development, the roots of Cornus sericea L. exposed to NaCl (0, 50, and 100 mmol·L−1) for 4 weeks were sectioned at 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, and 25 cm from the tip, after having determined their increase in length. Observations were made on longitudinal and transverse sections from embedded tissues (stained with toluidine blue) and fresh tissues (examined under UV light or stained with Sudan red 7B or phloroglucinol-HCl). A modified outermost cortical layer was observed in C. sericea, suggesting the presence of a hypodermis or exodermis. While suberin was identified in the wall of the hypodermal cells, the presence of Casparian bands in these walls could not be clearly detected in sections stained with or without berberine-hemisulphate and aniline blue. Although the overall sequence of development of root tissues in C. sericea did not appear to be modified in salt-treated plants, the development of the hypodermis and endodermis occurred closer to the root tip in salt-treated plants. These altered root characteristics could have contributed to improve the salinity tolerance of the plants by limiting the amount of Na+ and (or) Cl− reaching the shoots. Our results will provide useful information for the selection of boreal forest plants adequate for land reclamation, a major challenge for the oil sand industry faced with large areas of salt-affected land.

Is nectar reabsorption restricted by the stalk cells of floral and extrafloral nectary trichomes?

Reabsorption is a phase of nectar dynamics that occurs concurrently with secretion; it has been described in floral nectaries that exude nectar through stomata or unicellular trichomes, but has not yet been recorded in extrafloral glands. Apparently, nectar reabsorption does not occur in multicellular secretory trichomes (MST) due to the presence of lipophilic impregnations - which resemble Casparian strips - in the anticlinal walls of the stalk cells. It has been assumed that these impregnations restrict solute movement within MST to occur unidirectionally and exclusively by the symplast, thereby preventing nectar reflux toward the underlying nectary tissues. We hypothesised that reabsorption is absent in nectaries possessing MST. The fluorochrome lucifer yellow (LYCH) was applied to standing nectar of two floral and extrafloral glands of distantly related species, and then emission spectra from nectary sections were systematically analysed using confocal microscopy. Passive uptake of LYCH via the stalk cells to the nectary tissues occurred in all MST examined. Moreover, we present evidence of nectar reabsorption in extrafloral nectaries, demonstrating that LYCH passed the stalk cells of MST, although it did not reach the deepest nectary tissues. Identical (control) experiments performed with neutral red (NR) demonstrated no uptake of this stain by actively secreting MST, whereas diffusion of NR did occur in plasmolysed MST of floral nectaries at the post-secretory phase, indicating that nectar reabsorption by MST is governed by stalk cell physiology. Interestingly, non-secretory trichomes failed to reabsorb nectar. The role of various nectary components is discussed in relation to the control of nectar reabsorption by secretory trichomes.

Apoplastic barrier development and water transport in Zea mays seedling roots under salt and osmotic stresses.

The development of apoplastic barriers was studied in Zea mays seedling roots grown in hydroculture solution supplemented with 0-200 mM NaCl or 20% polyethylene glycol (PEG). Casparian bands in the endodermis of both NaCl- and PEG-treated roots were observed closer to the root tip in comparison with those of control roots, but the cell wall modifications in the endodermis and exodermis induced by salt and osmotic stresses differed. High salinity induced the formation of a multiseriate exodermis, which ranged from several cell layers to the entire cortex tissue but did not noticeably influence cell wall suberization in the endodermis. In contrast, osmotic stress accelerated suberization in both the endodermis and exodermis, but the exodermis induced by osmotic stress was limited to several cell layers in the outer cortex adjacent to the epidermis. The hydrostatic hydraulic conductivity (Lp) had decreased significantly after 1 day of PEG treatment, whereas in NaCl-treated roots, Lp decreased to a similar level after 5 days of treatment. Peroxidase activity in the roots increased significantly in response to NaCl and PEG treatments. These data indicate that salt stress and osmotic stress have different effects on the development of apoplastic barriers and water transport in Z. mays seedling roots.

Functional and Evolutionary Analysis of the CASPARIAN STRIP MEMBRANE DOMAIN PROTEIN Family.

CASPARIAN STRIP MEMBRANE DOMAIN PROTEINS (CASPs) are four-membrane-span proteins that mediate the deposition of Casparian strips in the endodermis by recruiting the lignin polymerization machinery. CASPs show high stability in their membrane domain, which presents all the hallmarks of a membrane scaffold. Here, we characterized the large family of CASP-like (CASPL) proteins. CASPLs were found in all major divisions of land plants as well as in green algae; homologs outside of the plant kingdom were identified as members of the MARVEL protein family. When ectopically expressed in the endodermis, most CASPLs were able to integrate the CASP membrane domain, which suggests that CASPLs share with CASPs the propensity to form transmembrane scaffolds. Extracellular loops are not necessary for generating the scaffold, since CASP1 was still able to localize correctly when either one of the extracellular loops was deleted. The CASP first extracellular loop was found conserved in euphyllophytes but absent in plants lacking Casparian strips, an observation that may contribute to the study of Casparian strip and root evolution. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), CASPL showed specific expression in a variety of cell types, such as trichomes, abscission zone cells, peripheral root cap cells, and xylem pole pericycle cells.

Morfoanatomia do eixo vegetativo aéreo de Ayapana triplinervis (Vahl) R.M. King & H. Rob. (Asteraceae)

Ayapana triplinervis (Asteraceae) é uma erva medicinal da Amazônia conhecida como "Japana branca" e "Japana roxa" utilizada como tônico, digestivo, antidiarréico dentre outros. Objetivou-se caracterizar neste estudo a morfoanatomia caulinar e foliar de A. triplinervis, para corroborar se esta espécie apresenta morfotipos, além de fornecer dados para sua identificação. Amostras foram coletadas no Horto de Plantas Medicinais da Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia e Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, analisadas morfologicamente e segundo técnicas usuais em anatomia vegetal. O caule é cilíndrico branco ou roxo, com epiderme unisseriada persistente e endoderme com bainha amilífera e estrias de Caspary. As folhas são simples, opostas, triplinervadas, com base atenuada ou decorrente. Possuem estômatos anomocíticos, cera em placas ou granular, glândulas peroladas, mesofilo dorsiventral com feixes colaterais e ductos secretores. A. triplinervis apresentou caracteres morfoanatômicos diferentes entre os tipos branca e roxa, o que possibilita a distinção dos dois morfotipos.

The structure of the endodermis during the development of pea (Pisum sativum L.) roots

It is shown on the basis of cytological studies that during the development of the pea root endodermis, the following structures were formed (in order of appearance): proendodermis, Casparian strips, suberin lamellae and secondary cell walls. The proendodermis cells had, in addition to the commonly occurring cell components, small vacuoles filled with phenols. The Casparian strips developed in the radial walls and accounted for no more than 1/3 of their length. The suberin layer, found on all of the endodermis walls, was deposited last over the Casparian strips. The secondary cell wall was formed only in the cells located over the phloem bundles. Its thickness was uniform over the entire circumference of the cell.

The structure of the endodermis during the development of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) roots

Four stages of development in the process of differentiation of the root endodermis of wheat (<em>Triticum aestivum</em> L. var. Grana) are described. The proendodermis cells have a meristematic nature. Their vacuoles accumulated an osmophilic material. In the next stage, Casparian strips arose in the walls of the endodermis. Dictyosomes and ER cisterns were numerous in the protoplasts of these cells. In the following stage, a suberin lamella was deposited over the entire internal surface of the primary cell wall. In the final stage, a secondary cell wall, thickened in the form of a letter U, was formed. In secondary wall simple pits arose. The endodermis of the wheat root developed asynchronously, more quickly over the phloem bundles.

Cell Biology: Up Against the Wall

Lignin is deposited in precise patterns in some cell types. Two recent papers provide insights into how this is achieved in the Casparian strip of the root endodermis where a discrete band of lignin is crucial to regulating the passage of water and solutes.

LACCASE Is Necessary and Nonredundant with PEROXIDASE for Lignin Polymerization during Vascular Development in Arabidopsis

The evolution of lignin biosynthesis was critical in the transition of plants from an aquatic to an upright terrestrial lifestyle. Lignin is assembled by oxidative polymerization of two major monomers, coniferyl alcohol and sinapyl alcohol. Although two recently discovered laccases, LAC4 and LAC17, have been shown to play a role in lignin polymerization in Arabidopsis thaliana, disruption of both genes only leads to a relatively small change in lignin content and only under continuous illumination. Simultaneous disruption of LAC11 along with LAC4 and LAC17 causes severe plant growth arrest, narrower root diameter, indehiscent anthers, and vascular development arrest with lack of lignification. Genome-wide transcript analysis revealed that all the putative lignin peroxidase genes are expressed at normal levels or even higher in the laccase triple mutant, suggesting that lignin laccase activity is necessary and nonredundant with peroxidase activity for monolignol polymerization during plant vascular development. Interestingly, even though lignin deposition in roots is almost completely abolished in the lac11 lac4 lac17 triple mutant, the Casparian strip, which is lignified through the activity of peroxidase, is still functional. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that lignin laccase genes have no orthologs in lower plant species, suggesting that the monolignol laccase genes diverged after the evolution of seed plants.

On the competitive uptake and transport of ions through differentiated root tissues

We simulate the competitive uptake and transport of a mixed salt system in the differentiated tissues of plant roots. The results are based on a physical model that includes both forced diffusion and convection by the transpiration stream. The influence of the Casparian strip on regulating apoplastic flow, the focus of the paper, is modelled by varying ion diffusive permeabilities, hydraulic reflection coefficients and water permeability for transport across the endodermis–pericycle interface. We find that reducing diffusive permeabilities leads to significantly altered ion concentration profiles in the pericycle and vascular cylinder regions, while increased convective reflectivities affect predominantly ion concentrations in the cortex and endodermis tissues. The self-consistent electric field arising from ion separation is a major influence on predicted ion fluxes and accumulation rates.