Difference in the root structure of hyperaccumulator Thlaspi caerulescens and non-hyperaccumulator Thlaspi arvense
by I. Zelko, A. Lux, K. Czibula
International Journal of Environment and Pollution (IJEP), Vol. 33, No. 2/3, 2008

Abstract: The primary root structure of Zn/Cd hyperaccumulator Thlaspi caerulescens was compared with the root anatomy of closely related non-accumulator Thlaspi arvense. The most striking structure formed close to the root tip in T. caerulescens, but not in T. arvense, is the peri-endodermal layer of cells with irregularly thickened inner tangential walls. This layer observed in some species of Brassicaceae by early anatomists and described as 'reseau sus-endodermique' is composed of secondary cell walls impregnated by lignin, and it forms a compact cylinder encircling the endodermis. The differences in the proportions of individual tissues – rhizodermis, cortex, stele and endodermis – of the two species are statistically insignificant. However, there are differences in the cell arrangement. The precise function of the lignified cell wall thickening of the peri-endodermal layer of T. caerulescens is unclear at present. Some possible roles are discussed and its potential relation with metal hyperaccumulation and/or tolerance should be investigated.

Online publication date: Fri, 11-Jul-2008

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Environment and Pollution (IJEP):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com