Localization of Lead Accumulated by Corn Plants
Year: 1974
Type: article
Abstract: Light and electron microscopic studies of corn plants (Zea mays L.) exposed to Pb in hydroponic solution showed that the roots generally accumulated a surface Pb precipitate and slowly accumulated Pb crystals in the cell walls. The root surface precipitate formed without the apparent influence of any cell organelles. In contrast, Pb taken up by roots was concentrated in dictyosome vesicles. Dictyosome vesicles containing cell wall material fused with one another to encase the Pb deposit. This encased deposit which was surrounded by a membrane migrated toward the outside of the cell where the membrane surrounding the deposit fused with the plasmalemma. The material surrounding the deposit then fused with the cell wall. The result of this process was a concentration of Pb deposits in the cell wall outside the plasmalemma. Similar deposits were observed in stems and leaves suggesting that Pb was transported and deposited in a similar manner.
Source: PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
DOI: 10.1104/pp.53.3.388
Authors: Carl Malone, D. E. Koeppe, Raymond J. Miller
Institution: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Language: English
Topic: Heavy metals in environment
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2043627480