Systems biology of metal tolerance in plants: A case study on the effects of cd exposure on two model plants

Abstract

Plant growth and biomass production are affected by environmental stresses of natural and anthropogenic origin, significantly restricting their full valorisation potential for economic and societal use. Especially, environmental pollution with metals, notably cadmium (Cd), is of great concern. Cadmium enters the plant through metal transporters, which are embedded in the plasma membrane of root cells, thereby competing with the uptake of essential nutrients and altering the nutrient balance (Fig. 2.1, unpublished data).