Metalloids Accumulation and Translocation in Plants

Metals and Metalloids are posing a great threat to the ecosystem. Various elements including Boron, Silicon, Arsenic, Cadmium, Germanium, Aluminum, Antimony, Tellurium, Palladium, and others are considered metalloids which possess both the properties of metals and non-metals. Studies reveal that plant cells use transporters from the aquaporin family to facilitate the entry of metalloids. Excess intake of metalloids poses stress to plant cell. Upon entering the plant, metalloids are distributed to various tissues and organs, which can result in different physiological effects. The signaling of auxin is crucial in regulating plant responses to changes in the environment and in establishing defense mechanisms against the harmful effects of exposure to toxic metals and metalloids. The presence of metalloids is one of the environmental stresses that can trigger the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plants, although plants have different signaling pathways to reduce ROS accumulation. Number of gene families including NRAMP, WRKY, ERF, MYB, NIP, IRT, HMAs, STAR1, HAC, PHT, LCT, Lsi, ZIP and PIP are involved in the regulation of uptake and transportation and toxic metalloids. Research on these gene families can further allow us to improve the plant defense system so that plants will be able to withstand this serious abiotic stress.