We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Integrated physiological, metabolomic, and transcriptomic responses of maize (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max) to nanoplastic-induced stress
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed maize and soybean crops to polyethylene and polypropylene nanoplastics in soil and found that high concentrations suppressed plant growth and caused oxidative stress in both species. The nanoplastics accumulated in plant roots and disrupted normal gene activity and metabolism, with soybeans being more sensitive than maize. These findings raise concerns about food crop quality and safety as nanoplastic contamination of agricultural soil increases.
The widespread use and degradation of agricultural plastics lead to the accumulation of nanoplastics (NPs) and soil contamination, posing growing risks to agroecosystems. This study investigated the differential physiological and molecular responses of maize (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max) to polyethylene nanoparticles (PE-NPs) and polypropylene nanoparticles (PP-NPs), each within the size range of 20-50 nm, at concentrations of 50 and 500 mg/kg of soil. Over a 45-day exposure period, at 500 mg/kg concentration, both NPs types significantly suppressed plant height and fresh biomass in both maize and soybean, with PP-NPs demonstrating greater toxicity in soybean than in maize. At 500 mg/kg, both crops accumulated high levels of both NPs types in their roots, triggering oxidative stress as evidenced by elevated malondialdehyde levels and a significant decline in catalase activity, which compromised root membrane integrity, antioxidant defense mechanisms, and nutrient availability. However, maize's higher photosynthetic efficiency, more vigorous root growth, and greater metabolic exudation made it more resilient to the NPs stress than soybean. To compare the molecular responses of maize and soybean, we conducted a multi-omics analysis of plants exposed to 500 mg/kg PP-NPs. The results showed a significant disruption of purine metabolism and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis in both plants, with the effect more pronounced in soybean. Soybean exhibited strong downregulation of adenosine deaminase and adenylate kinase, with reduced levels of xanthine, inosine, and uric acid. Notable alterations in the expression of key enzymes, such as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, trans-cinnamate 4-monooxygenase, and peroxidase in both plants indicate a substantial impact on phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and its downstream flavonoid and lignin precursors. These findings reveal the distinct physiological and multi-omics responses underlying the resilience of maize and soybean to nanoplastic-contaminated soils.
More Papers Like This
Toxicity effects of nanoplastics on soybean (Glycine max L.): Mechanisms and transcriptomic analysis
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed soybean plants to polystyrene nanoplastics and observed inhibited stem and root growth, increased oxidative stress, and disrupted photosynthesis. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that nanoplastics altered the expression of genes involved in plant stress responses, hormone signaling, and metabolic pathways. The study suggests that nanoplastic contamination in agricultural soils could negatively affect crop growth and yield at the molecular level.
Transcriptomic and metabolomic responses of maize under conventional and biodegradable microplastic stress
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how both conventional and biodegradable microplastics affect maize at the molecular level, finding that both types altered plant metabolism and triggered stress responses. The microplastics changed how the plants handled energy, photosynthesis, and hormone signaling, with effects varying by plastic type. This is concerning for food safety because microplastic-contaminated soil could change the nutritional quality or safety of crops that people eat.
Integrated physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolic analysis reveals the effects of nanoplastics exposure on tea plants
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolic analysis to assess the effects of nano/microplastics on tea plants, finding impaired photosynthesis, oxidative stress, and disrupted metabolic pathways at environmentally relevant concentrations. The study highlights risks to tea crop safety and quality from plastic pollution in agricultural soils.
Polyethylene nanoplastics affected morphological, physiological, and molecular indices in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
AI summary Read the abstract
Polyethylene nanoplastics in soil caused significant damage to tomato plants, including reduced growth, delayed flowering, lower fruit quality, and changes in DNA methylation patterns. Even at low concentrations, the nanoplastics triggered oxidative stress and altered gene expression in the plants. These findings raise concerns about food safety because nanoplastic contamination in farm soil could reduce both the yield and nutritional quality of tomatoes and potentially other food crops.
Impact of nanoplastics uptake on modulation of plant metabolism and stress responses: a multi-omics perspective on remediation and tolerance mechanisms
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how nanoplastics accumulate in plant tissues and disrupt metabolism, finding that these particles impair nutrient uptake, trigger reactive oxygen species overproduction, and alter gene and protein expression, while multi-omics approaches are revealing the molecular stress-response networks that plants use to tolerate or remediate nanoplastic contamination.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.