Mechanisms of Heavy Metal Homeostasis and Resistance in Plants

This chapter provides an analysis of the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying plants’ ability to tolerate heavy metals. Recent research has examined the physiological aspects of heavy metal tolerance in plants, with a particular focus on the important roles played by processes that exclude heavy metals, as well as the molecules phytochelatins and metallothioneins. These molecules are essential for detoxifying heavy metals and maintaining the metal balance within plants. Furthermore, this chapter explores the potential of these compounds as biomarkers for assessing heavy metal toxicity. In addition, the involvement of metallochaperones in heavy metal signaling and their critical function in maintaining cellular oxidant and metal balance is investigated. This chapter also explores aluminum toxicity and the different tolerance mechanisms observed in various plant species.