Developmental characteristics and aluminum resistance of root border cells in rice seedlings

The developmental characteristics of root border cells (RBCs) and their role in protection of root apices of rice seedling from Al toxicity were evaluated in two rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars differing in Al tolerance. Root elongation and RBCs viability were used as indicators for Al effects. The formation of RBCs and the emergence of the root tip occurred almost simultaneously. Treatment of the root with Al inhibited root elongation and increased Al accumulation in the root tips. Physical removal of RBCs from root tips resulted in a more severe inhibition of root elongation and a higher Al accumulation in the root tips. These effects were more pronounced in the Al-sensitive rice cultivar (II You 6216) than that in the Al-tolerant rice cultivar (II You 838). The relative viability of attached and detached RBCs decreased with increasing Al concentrations. Al also induced a thicker mucilage layer surrounding attached RBCs of both cultivars, and detached RBCs did not. Maintaining the abundant live RBCs encapsulated root tip and enhancing their mucilage secretion, appear to be important in alleviating Al toxicity and in allowing exclusion of Al from the rice root apex.