ABSTRACT
The transfer of zinc (Zn)-hyperaccumulating properties from T. caerulescens into high biomass producing plants has been previously suggested as a potential avenue for making phytoremediation a commercial technology. Progress in this area, however, is hindered by a lack of understanding of the fundamental mechanisms involved in zinc transport and accumulation in roots and shoots. In addition to uptake into roots, another important characteristic of the hyperaccumulator T. caerulescens is its ability to transport zinc from the root and to accumulate it to a high level in the shoot. Currently, however, there is little basic information regarding mechanisms of Zn transport and accumulation in the shoot. Thlaspi caerulescens, which can accumulate zinc in shoots to concentrations exceeding 4 percentage dry weight, represents an intriguing model system for studying physiological mechanisms of metal hyperaccumulation.
