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Symbiotic solution to arsenic contamination

Author

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  • J. M. Sharples

    (Mycorrhiza Research Group, School of Science, University of Western Sydney
    Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Huntingdon)

  • A. A. Meharg

    (Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Huntingdon
    University of Aberdeen, Cruickshank Building)

  • S. M. Chambers

    (Mycorrhiza Research Group, School of Science, University of Western Sydney)

  • J. W. G. Cairney

    (Mycorrhiza Research Group, School of Science, University of Western Sydney)

Abstract

Higher plants that are adapted to living on polluted soils are generally symbiotic with mycorrhizal fungi growing on contaminated sites1,2. It is not known whether these fungi benefit their host plants simply by fulfilling their normal ecological functions3, or by enhancing the plant's resistance to pollutants. Arsenate contamination poses a particular challenge, as this toxin can enter plants through their phosphate transporters4, causing mycorrhizal fungi to enhance both phosphate and arsenate uptake in plants5. We have found a plant host and its mycorrhizal symbiont that have evolved in parallel to obtain phosphate but exclude arsenate.

Suggested Citation

  • J. M. Sharples & A. A. Meharg & S. M. Chambers & J. W. G. Cairney, 2000. "Symbiotic solution to arsenic contamination," Nature, Nature, vol. 404(6781), pages 951-952, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:404:y:2000:i:6781:d:10.1038_35010193
    DOI: 10.1038/35010193
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