We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Molecular mechanisms underlying microplastics-induced inhibition of lateral root development in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how PET microplastics affect tomato seedling root development and found that exposure significantly inhibited lateral root growth, reduced chlorophyll content, and impaired photosynthesis. The study revealed that microplastics triggered oxidative stress in root tips and disrupted auxin and abscisic acid hormone signaling pathways, suggesting these molecular mechanisms underlie the observed phytotoxicity.
Microplastics (MPs) pollution poses significant threats to terrestrial plants, however the molecular mechanisms underlying their phytotoxicity, particularly regarding root developmental plasticity remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seedlings grown in organic substrate, exposed to PET-MPs at concentrations of 0.1 %, 0.15 %, and 0.2 % (w/w) for 21 and 28 days. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in root length, surface area, root tips, bifurcation points, root intersections, and root volume after 3 weeks of PET-MPs exposure. These findings indicate a substantial inhibition of lateral root development. Additionally, PET-MPs significantly suppressed aboveground biomass, reduced leaf chlorophyll content, and impaired photosynthesis and transpiration. As PET-MPs concentrations increased from 0.1 % to 0.15 % and 0.2 %, ROS accumulation in roots intensified, with higher levels of O and HO in the root tips. Moreover, the 0.2 % PET-MPs treatment further reduced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), exacerbating oxidative damage. Hormone profiling revealed decreased levels of auxin and abscisic acid (ABA). RNA-seq analysis identified early stress-responsive genes, with notable enrichment in auxin and ABA signaling pathways. Notably, 13 out of 15 auxin pathway-related genes were upregulated, including SlIAA27, an Aux/IAA transcription factor known to repress lateral root initiation. This inhibition of lateral root development likely restricts water and nutrient uptake, further hindering plant growth. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular toxicity mechanisms of MPs on plant roots and highlight potential molecular targets for improving plants tolerance to MPs pollution.
More Papers Like This
Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to Polyethylene Microplastic Exposure
AI summary Read the abstract
Tomato plants grown in soil mixed with polyethylene microplastics for six weeks showed stunted growth, shorter roots, less biomass, and lower chlorophyll levels as microplastic amounts increased. Plants also showed higher levels of stress related enzymes and cell damage markers, suggesting the microplastics caused physical stress and disrupted normal plant functioning.
Absorption, accumulation, physiological responses, and mechanistic insights into tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to polystyrene microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Tomato plants grown with polystyrene microplastics absorbed the particles through their roots and moved them into stems and leaves, with smaller particles and higher amounts building up more. Exposure reduced root growth, plant height and weight, increased oxidative stress markers, and altered gene activity and chemical processes linked to plant hormones and cell membranes.
The multifaceted mechanisms of microplastic inhibition of tomato plant growth: oxidative toxicity, metabolic perturbation, and photosynthetic damage
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed tomato seedlings to biodegradable and conventional microplastics and investigated photosynthetic performance, metabolic disruption, and oxidative stress responses. Both microplastic types inhibited tomato growth and caused oxidative damage, with impacts on the photosynthetic apparatus and metabolite profiles, challenging the assumption that biodegradable plastics are safer for agricultural systems.
Microplastic-Derived Dissolved Organic Matter Inhibits Plant Root Growth by Disrupting Polar Auxin Transport via Specific Molecular Fractions
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that dissolved organic matter leaching from polystyrene and PBAT microplastics — but not polypropylene — inhibits plant root elongation by disrupting polar auxin transport, with low-polarity saturated molecules interfering with phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and causing abnormal hormone accumulation in root meristem tissue.
Mechanistic insights into the size-dependent bioaccumulation and phytotoxicity of polyethylene microplastics in tomato seedlings
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how polyethylene microplastics of different sizes affect tomato seedlings and found that the smallest particles (1-50 micrometers) caused the most severe damage, reducing shoot weight by 42.3% and root length by 55.1%. The study revealed that microplastic uptake and toxicity are strongly size-dependent, with smaller particles more easily absorbed and translocated through plant tissues, triggering significant oxidative stress.
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.