Copper and zinc accumulation, distribution, and tolerance in Pistia stratiotes L.; revealing the role of root caps.

Pollution by potentially toxic trace metals, such as copper or zinc, is global. Both Cu and Zn are essential microelements, which in higher concentrations become toxic. The aquatic plant Pistia stratiotes(L.

The secrets of calcicole species revealed.

This article comments on: . 2021. Role of roots in adaptation of soil-indifferent Proteaceae to calcareous soils in south-western Australia.

Silicification of Root Tissues.

Silicon (Si) is not considered an essential element, however, its tissue concentration can exceed that of many essential elements in several evolutionary distant plant species. Roots take up Si using Si transporters and then translocate it to aboveground organs. In some plant species, root tissues are also places where a high accumulation of Si can be found.

Root hair abundance impacts cadmium accumulation in Arabidopsis thaliana shoots.

Background And Aims: Root hairs increase the contact area of roots with soil and thereby enhance the capacity for solute uptake. The strict hair/non-hair pattern of Arabidopsis thaliana can change with nutrient deficiency or exposure to toxic elements, which modify root hair density. The effects of root hair density on cadmium (Cd) accumulation in shoots of arabidopsis genotypes with altered root hair development and patterning were studied.

Asymmetrical development of root endodermis and exodermis in reaction to abiotic stresses.

Background and Aims In the present study, we show that development of endodermis and exodermis is sensitively regulated by water accessibility. As cadmium (Cd) is known to induce xeromorphic effects in plants, maize roots were exposed also to Cd to understand the developmental process of suberin lamella deposition in response to a local Cd source. Methods In a first experiment, maize roots were cultivated in vitro and unilaterally exposed to water-containing medium from one side and to air from the other.

Cadmium translocation by contractile roots differs from that in regular, non-contractile roots.

Background And Aims: Contractile roots are known and studied mainly in connection with the process of shrinkage of their basal parts, which acts to pull the shoot of the plant deeper into the ground. Previous studies have shown that the specific structure of these roots results in more intensive water uptake at the base, which is in contrast to regular root types. The purpose of this study was to find out whether the basal parts of contractile roots are also more active in translocation of cadmium to the shoot.