Aluminum Toxicity: A Case Study on Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

Abstract

Aluminum is an abundant metal in the earth's crust that turns out to be toxic in acidic environments. Many plants are affected by the presence of aluminum at the whole plant level, at the organ level, and at the cellular level. Tobacco as a cash crop (Nicotiana tabacum L.) is a widely cultivated plant worldwide and is also a good model organism for research. Although there are many articles on Al-phytotoxicity in the literature, reviews on a single species that are economically and scientifically important are limited. In this article, we not only provide the biology associated with tobacco Al-toxicity, but also some essential information regarding the effects of this metal on other plant species (even animals). This review provides information on aluminum localization and uptake process by different staining techniques, as well as the effects of its toxicity at different compartment levels and the physiological consequences derived from them. In addition, molecular studies in recent years have reported specific responses to Al toxicity, such as overexpression of various protective proteins. Besides, this review discusses data on various organelle-based responses, cell death, and other mechanisms, data on tobacco plants and other kingdoms relevant to these studies.

MsDjB4, a HSP40 Chaperone in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), Improves Alfalfa Hairy Root Tolerance to Aluminum Stress

“…Several recent papers have well discussed that Al stress can induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plants [47][48][49]. A micromolar concentration of Al 3+ present is sufficient to induce several irreversible toxicity symptoms in plants, including the generation of ROS such as superoxide anion (O2 •− ), hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), and hydroxyl radical (•OH), leading to oxidative bursts [48].…”

Effects of multifunctional cerium-doped carbon dots on photosynthetic capacity and nutritional quality of lettuce

“…Low concentrations of Ce 3+ can increase plant chlorophyll content and carbonic anhydrase activity, suggesting that these rare earths stimulate photosynthesis. 38,71,72 CDs also regulate plant physiological activities. CDs can increase chlorophyll content and maintain high chlorophyll activity.…”