Metalloids in Biology: From Function to Toxicity

Metalloids belong to class of elements that exhibit physiochemical characteristics intermediating between those of metals and non-metals. Some are quasi-essential for the overall growth and development of plants. Silicon, for instance, enhances plant structural integrity, while boron is crucial for cell wall formation, and selenium acts as an antioxidant but some are toxic, like germanium (Ge) and arsenic (As), as they threaten the soil ecosystem and human health. Metalloid toxicity hinges on their cellular concentrations ,where low levels aid plant development ,whereas high levels cause harmful effects. Thus, it is crucial to encompass the underlying detoxification mechanisms behind metalloid uptake by root system, their transport to other tissues, and their redistribution within and between cells. This book provides a comprehensive elucidation of the valuable insights of metalloids in green agriculture emphasizing management strategies to mitigate their adverse effects through various detoxification pathways, including cell complexation, cell wall binding, efflux, vacuolar sequestration and ultimately redistribution. Key features:1.Explores databases of metalloid distribution in plants and other habitats. 2.Deliberates about metalloid transporters and detoxification strategies in plants. 3. Describes interaction of metalloids with microbes and their impact on ecophysiology. 4. Unravels the mysteries of metalloid stress in plants by using multi-omics approaches. 5. Covers biological applications of metalloids in sustainable agricultural practices and in human health.This book is aimed to give updated and scientific insights to readers and researchers associated with plant stress physiology, agricultural sciences and environmentalists working for the well-being of the environment. Apart from these, the present book will also be boon for scientists, farmers, teachers and undergraduate and post graduate students as it provides a detailed account of distribution, biochemistry, detoxification mechanisms, and biological applications of metalloids.