Diverse accumulation and distribution of nutrient elements in developing wheat grain studied by laser ablation...

The present study focused on the elemental distribution in the developing wheat grain by using the laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) imaging technique. Our studies show that the embryo accumulated high concentrations of nutrient elements, such as Fe, K, Cu, and Zn, while Ca was accumulated in the bran of the wheat grain which might be attributed to its function of structural maintenance. In the endosperm the majority of the nutrients were located in the aleurone layer. Within the grain, the embryo could be considered as a nutrient pool for macro- and micro-elements essential for the development of the seedling. Elemental images showed that considerable amounts of nutrients were stored in the scutellum of the embryo, which might be related to the high gene expression of element transporters in the scutellum. Root primordia and leaf primordia were enriched in particular elements, such as Mn and Zn respectively. In total 34 cross sections were analyzed and used for generation of a sequence of elemental distribution images to demonstrate elemental changes along the perpendicular axis of the wheat grain embryo. Further development of three-dimensional modeling will be combined with physiological studies to better understand the mechanisms of elemental distribution and storage in the wheat grain. These studies will provide fundamental knowledge on improving the nutritional value and agronomic practices.