Detoxifying the heavy metals: a multipronged study of tolerance strategies against heavy metals toxicity in plants

Heavy metal concentrations exceeding permissible limits threaten human life, plant life, and all other life forms. Different natural and anthropogenic activities emit toxic heavy metals in the soil, air, and water. Plants consume toxic heavy metals from their roots and foliar part inside the plant. Heavy metals may interfere with various aspects of the plants, such as biochemistry, bio-molecules, and physiological processes, which usually translate into morphological and anatomical changes. They use various strategies to deal with the toxic effects of heavy metal contamination. Some of these strategies include restricting heavy metals to the cell wall, vascular sequestration, and synthesis of various biochemical compounds, such as phyto-chelators and organic acids, to bind the free moving heavy metal ions so that the toxic effects are minimized. This review focuses on several aspects of genetics, molecular, and cell signaling levels, which integrate to produce a coordinated response to heavy metal toxicity and interpret the exact strategies behind the tolerance of heavy metals stress. It is suggested that various aspects of some model plant species must be thoroughly studied to comprehend the approaches of heavy metal tolerance to put that knowledge into practical use.

Automated summary

Excessive levels of heavy metals pose a threat to all forms of life. Both natural and human activities release toxic heavy metals into the environment. Plants absorb heavy metals from the soil and air, which can disrupt their biochemistry, molecules, and physiological processes, leading to morphological changes. Plants employ various strategies, such as sequestration and synthesis of biochemical compounds, to minimize the toxic effects. This review focuses on the genetic, molecular, and cell signaling aspects that contribute to heavy metal tolerance in plants, suggesting that further study is needed to apply this knowledge practically.