Root responses to cadmium in the rhizosphere: a review

This article reviews the responses of plant roots to elevated rhizosphere cadmium (Cd) concentrations. Cadmium enters plants from the soil solution. It traverses the root through symplasmic or apoplasmic pathways before entering the xylem and being translocated to the shoot. Leaf Cd concentrations in excess of 5-10 μg g(-1) dry matter are toxic to most plants, and plants have evolved mechanisms to limit Cd translocation to the shoot. Cadmium movement through the root symplasm is thought to be restricted by the production of phytochelatins and the sequestration of Cd-chelates in vacuoles. Apoplasmic movement of Cd to the xylem can be restricted by the development of the exodermis, endodermis, and other…

• SG
  Scottish Government
• AN
  Agentúra na Podporu Výskumu a Vývoja
• VG
  Vedecká Grantová Agentúra MŠVVaŠ SR a SAV