查看文章

Selenium (Se) is not an essential element for plants, although it can benefit their growth and survival in some envionments. Excess tissue Se concentrations are toxic. The ability to sequester Se in vacuoles, synthesise non-toxic Se metabolites, or volatilise Se compounds determines maximum tissue Se concentrations and the ability to colonise seleniferous soils.

This review first classifies plant species on their abilities to accumulate Se in their tissues and to colonise seleniferous soils. It then presents our knowledge of Se uptake by roots and its movement within the plant, the primary and secondary metabolism of Se in plants, effects of Se on sulfur and nitrogen metabolism, and the detoxification of excessive Se by plants. Finally, it presents a current hypothesis for the evolution of seleniferous flora.

Selenium and sulfur share the same primary metabolism. When grown in …