Arsenate interaction in plants: from molecules to the whole plant level

Arsenate [As(V)] is a highly toxic metalloid widely present in the environment. This review compiles present overview of As(V) effects on plants and possible mitigation strategies encompassing recent literature. Arsenate [As(V)] is a highly toxic metalloid widely present in the environment. It significantly reduces plant yield and is detrimental to human health. Due to its chemical similarity to phosphate, As(V) is readily taken up by plants through the phosphate transport system. Studies have shown that As(V) toxicity affects plants at various levels, from molecular to whole-plant scale. Though the interaction of As(V) with plant metabolism has been compiled in earlier studies a decade ago, a recent and focused synthesis of literature devoted specifically to arsenate As(V) interaction with plants and its impacts has still not been compiled. This review, therefore, presents an up-to-date overview of As(V) effects on plants and possible mitigation strategies encompassing recent literature. From studies, it is clear that As(V) stress involves a complex signaling network comprising intrinsically interconnected systems such as transporters, genes, antioxidants, phytohormones, gasotransmitters, etc. that regulate As(V) tolerance and plant productivity. Therefore, these components represent promising targets for engineering As(V)-resistant crop plants with higher productivity and minimal arsenic accumulation in edible parts of vegetables, fruits, and cereals. Further, a deeper understanding of these processes will be fundamental for stabilizing plant productivity, ensuring food safety, and reducing environmental arsenic contamination effectively.