Synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy unveils selenium distribution and a phloem-sink hypothesis in Neptunia amplexicaulis.

ABSTRACT: Neptunia amplexicaulis is a legume that grows on seleniferous soils in Queensland, Australia. It is one of the strongest known selenium (Se) hyperaccumulators, capable of accumulating up to 13,600 μg Se g-1 in its leaves. This study aimed to investigate the distribution and translocation of Se within N. amplexicaulis tissues compared to a non-accumulator Neptunia species, Neptunia heliophila. Synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy was used to determine the in situ distribution of Se within the organs and tissues of N. amplexicaulis and N. heliophila. A pulse chase experiment was also undertaken to reveal Se translocation, using a control plant that was analyzed repeatedly after exposure to Se over a 74-h period. Selenium distribution in N. amplexicaulis resembled that of N. heliop

SUBMITTER: Harvey MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12516699 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature