We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Polypropylene microplastic exposure modulates multiple metabolic pathways in tobacco leaves, impacting lignin biosynthesis
AI summary Read the abstract
This study exposed tobacco plants to polypropylene microplastics of different sizes and concentrations in soil and found that the particles disrupted multiple metabolic pathways, particularly lignin production which is important for plant structural strength. Nanoscale particles caused more severe effects than larger microplastics, altering gene expression and metabolite profiles. The findings show that microplastic contamination in soil can fundamentally change how plants grow and develop, with potential implications for crop quality.
The adverse effects of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) on plant growth have gained significant attention. However, the response of tobacco plants to polypropylene microplastics (PP-MPs) remains poorly understood. To address this, a microcosm experiment was conducted in which tobacco seedlings were exposed to PP-MPs at varying concentrations (100 and 1000 mg/kg) and particle sizes (20 nm and 100 µm) for 48 days in red soil. The physicochemical, transcriptomic, and metabolic responses of tobacco plants to PP-MP treatments were assessed. Our findings indicate that the effect of PP-MP exposure on tobacco growth was dose-dependent, with the higher doses (1000 mg/kg) inducing significantly stronger responses. Further, a significant accumulation of key metabolites in the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways such as quercetin, phloretin, kaempferol, liquiritigenin, naringin, myricetin, ferulic acid, formaldehyde, and methyl eugenol was observed in response to PP-MPs. Additionally, the transcriptomic analysis revealed that higher doses enriched more DEGs than lower. KEGG pathway analysis identified significant enrichment in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis, and plant hormone signal transduction. The notable variation in the expression of key enzyme-related genes such as PAL, CHI, CSE, C4H, 4CL, COMT, and CYP indicates the substantial impact on lignin synthesis. Lastly, large-sized PPMPs alter the activity of key lignin-degrading enzymes, affecting the lignin content. This study offers valuable insights into the responses of tobacco plants to varying concentrations and sizes of PP-MPs, integrating both physicochemical and molecular perspectives.
More Papers Like This
Unraveling the impact of nano-microscale polyethylene and polypropylene plastics on Nicotiana tabacum: Physiological responses and molecular mechanisms
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed tobacco plants to polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics of different sizes and found that both types suppressed plant growth in a dose-dependent manner, with polypropylene being more toxic. The microplastics disrupted photosynthesis, triggered oxidative stress, and altered hormone signaling and defense pathways in the plants. These findings demonstrate that microplastic contamination in soil can impair crop growth at the molecular level, potentially affecting agricultural productivity.
The phytotoxicity of microplastics to the photosynthetic performance and transcriptome profiling of Nicotiana tabacum seedlings
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers grew tobacco seedlings in soil contaminated with polyethylene microplastics and found significant damage to their photosynthetic systems, including reduced chlorophyll content and impaired light-use efficiency. Gene analysis revealed that thousands of genes were affected, with 79 key genes related to photosynthesis being suppressed. The study provides new molecular-level evidence that soil microplastic pollution can directly harm how plants convert sunlight into energy.
Unveiling the impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on vascular plants: A cellular metabolomic and transcriptomic review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes how microplastics and nanoplastics affect plant health at the cellular and genetic level, disrupting metabolism, nutrient uptake, and growth in vascular plants. Since contaminated crops are a pathway for microplastics to enter the human diet, understanding how plants absorb and respond to these particles is important for food safety.
Analysis of Agronomic Traits and Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Tobacco under Polyethylene Microplastics in Situ Stress
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted in-situ field experiments across four tobacco-growing regions in China and found that polyethylene microplastics of varying particle sizes altered tobacco agronomic traits and physiological and biochemical characteristics, providing evidence for ecological risk in farmland microplastic pollution.
Impact of microplastic particle size on physiological and biochemical properties and rhizosphere metabolism of Zea mays L.: Comparison in different soil types
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that smaller microplastics caused more harm to corn plant growth than larger ones, and that soil type affected how toxic the microplastics were. The microplastics disrupted root metabolism and weakened the plants' ability to produce lignin, a structural compound important for healthy roots. This matters for food safety because microplastic contamination in farm soil could reduce crop yields and potentially affect the nutritional quality of food.
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.