Aluminium tolerance in plants and the complexing role of organic acids

• Published in: Trends in Plant Science Vol. 6; no. 6; pp. 273 - 278
• Main Authors: Ma, Jian Feng, Ryan, Peter R, Delhaize, Emmanuel
• Format: Book Review Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2001
• Subjects: Acetyl Coenzyme A - metabolism; aluminium; Aluminum - metabolism; Aluminum - toxicity; anion channel; Anions - metabolism; Carboxylic Acids - chemistry; Carboxylic Acids - metabolism; Citric Acid - metabolism; Cytosol - metabolism; detoxification inetabolism; Edible Grain - metabolism; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Ion Channels - metabolism; Organelles - metabolism; organic acid anion; Oxidation-Reduction; Plant Physiological Phenomena; Plant Roots - metabolism; root; Soil; soil acidity; Plant Science; detoxification inetabolism; anion channel; root; aluminium; Evolution; organic acid anion; Biochemistry; soil acidity
• ISSN: 1360-1385; 1878-4372
• DOI: 10.1016/S1360-1385(01)01961-6

The aluminium cation Al 3+ is toxic to many plants at micromolar concentrations. A range of plant species has evolved mechanisms that enable them to grow on acid soils where toxic concentrations of Al 3+ can limit plant growth. Organic acids play a central role in these aluminium tolerance mechanisms. Some plants detoxify aluminium in the rhizosphere by releasing organic acids that chelate aluminium. In at least two species, wheat and maize, the transport of organic acid anions out of the root cells is mediated by aluminium-activated anion channels in the plasma membrane. Other plants, including species that accumulate aluminium in their leaves, detoxify aluminium internally by forming complexes with organic acids.