Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 25, 2025

A Strategy to Validate the Role of Callose-mediated Plasmodesmal Gating in the Tropic Response
Published on: April 17, 2016
Low calcium-induced delay in development of root apoplastic barriers enhances Cd uptake and accumulation in Sedum
Yuankun Liu1, Qi Tao2, Xinyu Guo1
1Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecological Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
Abstract:
Mineral nutrients play an important role in heavy metal uptake and accumulation in plant. However, the effects of calcium (Ca) supply level on apoplastic transport in roots and consequences for uptake of cadmium (Cd) in hyperaccumulators are poorly understood. Here, we investigated how Ca regulated the development of apoplastic barriers in the roots of two ecotypes of Sedum alfredii and assessed its effects on Cd uptake. Results of correlation analysis indicated that Ca content was positively correlated with the development of Casparian strips (CSs) and suberin lamellae (SL) in the absence or presence of Cd. Simultaneously, low Ca supply was proven to delay the formation of endodermis CSs and suberin accumulation by decreasing the relative expressions of genes associated with CSs localization and lignin/suberin synthesis. Moreover, Cd in apoplastic fluid and cell walls (regarding the apoplastic transport) and symplastic fractions were elevated by low Ca supply. Contrary to high Ca supply, the expression levels of genes related to Cd influx and xylem loading were increased upon low Ca addition in roots of both ecotypes. All the results above suggested that low Ca supply promotes root Cd uptake via apoplastic pathway by delaying apoplastic barriers development and also regulating Cd transport to the xylem in S. alfredii.
Related Concept Videos
Responses to Salt Stress
Adaptations that Reduce Water Loss
Water and Mineral Acquisition
Responses to Drought and Flooding
C4 Pathway and CAM
C4 Pathway
The C4 pathway is used by plants such as...
Tonicity in Plants

