Nathalie Verbruggen

TL;DR: Proline (Pro) accumulation is a common physiological response in many plants in response to a wide range of biotic and abiotic stresses as discussed by the authors, and controversy has surrounded the possible role(s) of proline accumulation.

TL;DR: An update on the effects of mineral deficiencies on the expression of genes involved in primary metabolism in the shoot, the evidence for increased carbohydrate concentrations and altered biomass allocation between shoot and root, and the consequences of these changes on the growth and morphology of the plant root system are presented.

Abstract: Contents Summary 759 I. Hyperaccumulation: the phenomenon 759 II. Macroevolution of hyperaccumulation 760 III. Microevolution of hyperaccumulation: variation within hyperaccumulator species 760 IV. Genetic analysis of trace metal accumulation and tolerance 761 V. Mechanisms of trace metal accumulation 762 VI. General discussion and research perspectives 769 Acknowledgements 772 References 772 Summary Metal hyperaccumulator plants accumulate and detoxify extraordinarily high concentrations of metal ions in their shoots. Metal hyperaccumulation is a fascinating phenomenon, which has interested scientists for over a century. Hyperaccumulators constitute an exceptional biological material for understanding mechanisms regulating plant metal homeostasis as well as plant adaptation to extreme metallic environments. Our understanding of metal hyperaccumulation physiology has recently increased as a result of the development of molecular tools. This review presents key aspects of our current understanding of plant metal – in particular cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) – hyperaccumulation.

TL;DR: Recent studies on rice (Oryza sativa) and Cd-hyperaccumulating plants that have led to important insights into the processes controlling the passage of Cd from the soil to edible plant organs are reviewed.

TL;DR: Recent progress in understanding the mechanisms of As and Cd uptake and detoxification is presented, including the elucidation of why rice takes up so much arsenic from soil and of mechanisms of AS andCd hypertolerance.