Selective chemical binding enhances cesium tolerance in plants through inhibition of cesium uptake

• DOI: 10.1038/srep08842
• Publication Date: 2015-03-05T10:40:53Z
• Authors: Eri Adams; Vitaly Chaban; Himanshu Khandelia; Ryoung Shin
• Keywords: Caesium; Moiety

Abstract High concentrations of cesium (Cs + ) inhibit plant growth but the detailed mechanisms Cs uptake, transport and response in plants are not well known. In order to identify small molecules with a capacity enhance tolerance , chemical library screening was performed using Arabidopsis . Of 10,000 chemicals tested, five compounds were confirmed as enhancers. Further investigation quantum mechanical modelling revealed that one these reduced imidazole moiety this compound bound specifically Analysis analogous indicated structure identified is important for effect be conferred. Taken together, enhancer isolated here renders tolerant by inhibiting entry into roots via specific binding ion thus, instance, providing basis phytostabilisation radiocesium-contaminated farmland.