Lead uptake by the symbiotic Daucus carota L.-Glomus intraradices system and its effect on the morphology of extra- and intraradical fungal microstructures.

This work examines the strategies adopted by an arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiotic system to ameliorate environmental Pb stress by examining the concentrations of P, Fe, and Pb in the fungal microstructures and the host's root. In vitro cultures of Ri-T DNA-transformed carrot (Daucus carota L.) roots were inoculated with Glomus intraradices and treated with Pb(NO) solution and the extraradical spores and mycelia (S/M) and the root with the vesicles, mycelia, and root cells were subsequently analyzed by polarized energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (PEDXRF) spectrometry.

Biological effects of carbon nanotubes generated in forest wildfire ecosystems rich in resinous trees on native plants.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have a broad range of applications and are generally considered human-engineered nanomaterials. However, carbon nanostructures have been found in ice cores and oil wells, suggesting that nature may provide appropriate conditions for CNT synthesis. During forest wildfires, materials such as turpentine and conifer tissues containing iron under high temperatures may create chemical conditions favorable for CNT generation, similar to those in synthetic methods.

Comment on 'Carbon and fullerene nanomaterials in plant system'.

A recent review article entitled "Carbon and fullerene nanomaterials in plant system" published in this journal, misinterprets a component of our (published) work on the interactions of carbon nanotubes with plants. In this comment, we provide the rationale to counter this misconstruction.

Naturally occurring heavy radioactive elements in the geothermal microcosm of the Los Azufres (Mexico) volcanic complex.

The Los Azufres geothermal complex of central Mexico is characterized by fumaroles and boiling hot-springs. The fumaroles form habitats for extremophilic mosses and ferns. Physico-chemical measurements of two relatively pristine fumarolic microcosms point to their resemblance with the paleo-environment of earth during the Ordovician and Devonian periods.

The effect of the symbiosis between Tagetes erecta L. (marigold) and Glomus intraradices in the uptake of Copper(II) and its implications for phytoremediation.

Phytoremediation is an environmental biotechnology that seeks to remediate pollution caused by bioaccumulative toxins like copper (Cu). Symbiotic mycorrhizal associations can increase the uptake and delivery of low mobility nutrients and micronutrients to the host plant because they solubilize these substances and increase their catchment area. To analyze the effect of mycorrhizae on the phytoaccumulation of Cu, we studied their ability to solubilize Cu(II) and enhance its absorption by the plant Tagetes erecta L.