Mechanism of heavy metal-induced stress and tolerance
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Contamination in the environment by toxic compounds such as heavy metals has become a priority issue worldwide. Heavy metals (Pb, As, Cd, Hg, Cr, and Zn) are released into the environment through anthropogenic actions like mining, energy production, and agricultural activities. Heavy metals can be transported by water, soil, and air, entering the food chain, and causing alterations at various levels. Exposure of plants to heavy metals can cause toxic effects including oxidative stress, inhibiting enzymatic activities, plant growth, and photosynthesis. However, some plants have developed various mechanisms for their adaptation and growth in polluted areas. These mechanisms are based on the uptake, transport, and storage of metals, and vary according to the plant species, genotype, organ, type, or a combination of stress, exposure time, climatic conditions, and soil type. The main mechanisms of tolerance are root exudates, sequestration in the primary and secondary wall, transport through the membrane, sequestration in the vacuole, xylem, and phloem, as well as chelation of various ligands. The information in this chapter was obtained from scientific reports published from 2017 to 2022. In this chapter, we will address the stress mechanisms generated during exposure to metals and the tolerance mechanisms in plants.
