Rare earth elements activate endocytosis in plant cells

Area of Science:

• Plant Biology
• Cell Biology
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Rare earth elements (REEs) are known to influence plant growth and development.
• The specific cellular mechanisms by which REEs exert their effects in plants are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the cellular lifecycle and behavior of rare earth elements (lanthanum and terbium) in plant cells.
• To investigate the cellular mechanisms underlying the action of REEs in plants.

Main Methods:

• Utilized electron microscopic autoradiography to track the movement and fate of lanthanum and terbium in horseradish leaf cells.
• Observed the interaction of REEs with the plasma membrane and their entry into the cell.

Main Results:

• Rare earth elements initially bind to the plasma membrane as nanoparticles and enter cells through endocytosis.
• REEs were found to activate endocytosis in plant cells, suggesting a key cellular basis for their effects.
• A portion of internalized REEs was released into the cytoplasm, self-assembled into nanoscale clusters, and deposited within the cells.

Conclusions:

• This study reveals the complete lifecycle of REEs within plant cells, from entry via endocytosis to intracellular assembly and deposition.
• The findings provide critical insights into the cellular mechanisms of REE action in plants, highlighting the role of endocytosis and intracellular clustering.