Molecular Physiology of Arsenic Uptake, Transport, and Metabolism in Rice

Abstract

Arsenic (As) becomes a global problem by affecting both plant and human health. It is a nonessential toxic metalloid that can be readily taken up by plant root and accumulated inside the plant tissue causing detrimental effects. Rice, the major crop, is greatly affected by As due to high contamination of As in paddy soil and its ability to accumulate heaps of As inside the tissues. Besides As being a group I carcinogen, it affects human health through the food chain. In the situation, the major aim is to develop rice cultivars with less As accumulation to decrease toxic effects, thereby elevating production and quality of rice. For this, a deep understanding on all of everything of As from soil to grains is quite essential. This review encompasses uptake and transportation of As, transporters, accumulation and toxicity, and detoxification mechanisms against As in rice. Impact of As on health and economy is also summarized and in addition, development of As tolerant plant is also discussed.