ABSTRACT
Heavy metals (HMs) are metals that have a density greater than that of water by multiple times and are present in the form of ores and minerals in the earth’s crust. However, due to natural processes and anthropogenic activities, HMs are causing pollution on the earth. This pollution negatively impacts almost all living beings including the plants by affecting their yield, growth, reproduction, and physiological processes. However, certain plants can resist HM induced stress through different physio-biochemical mechanisms. Biomolecules, particularly the proteins (PCs, MTs, transporters), secondary metabolites like proline, NO, osmolytes, etc., are involved in conferring resistance from HMs in the plants. The chelators and transporters and other chelating biomolecules play distinct roles in providing resistance. This chapter gives an overview of how the plants recognise the HMs present in their environment, particularly soil. Attempts have also been made to illustrate the mechanisms adopted by the plants during HM stress.
