Arsenic uptake and metabolism in plants

Summary Arsenic (As) is an element that is nonessential for and toxic to plants. Arsenic contamination in the environment occurs in many regions, and, depending on environmental factors, its accumulation in food crops may pose a health risk to humans. Recent progress in understanding the mechanisms of As uptake and metabolism in plants is reviewed here. Arsenate is taken up by phosphate transporters. A number of the aquaporin nodulin26‐like intrinsic proteins (NIPs) are able to transport arsenite, the predominant form of As in reducing environments. In rice ( Oryza sativa ), arsenite uptake shares the highly efficient silicon (Si) pathway of entry to root cells and efflux towards the xylem. In root cells…

• BA
  Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

  Award: BB/F004184/1