The sub-cellular distribution of Zn and trace elements in the wheat grain: in situ imaging using a NanoSIMS

Wang, Cheng and Lu, Yunlang and Wang, Jianhua and Zhong, Cong (2022) The sub-cellular distribution of Zn and trace elements in the wheat grain: in situ imaging using a NanoSIMS. CEREAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS, 50 (4). pp. 1127-1135. ISSN 0133-3720 (print), 1788-9170 (online)

Text CRC_50_1127-1135.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (1MB)

Abstract

Trace elements play a crucial role in the growth and health of organisms. Imaging the distribution of trace elements in organisms at micron resolution scale can reveal the chemical form and transfer mechanism of trace elements in organisms and their influence on the growth of organisms. In the present study, we used a high-resolution secondary ion mass spectrometer (NanoSIMS) to image the trace elements zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K) in the wheat grain and analyzed the chemical form of Zn. The NanoSIMS images indicate that the micro-distributions of Zn, Fe, Mg and K in the wheat grain are similar, especially for Zn and Fe, mostly in the phytate granules of the aleurone and closely associated with P and H–O. Besides being distributed in phytate granules, some or a small amount of Mg and K are also distributed in starch granules of the endosperm. The S and C–N distributions are very similar, mainly in the protein matrix of the endosperm and aleurone. P and H–O, rather than S and C–N, are the two dominant ligands to Zn, Fe, K and Mg in wheat grain. The dominant chemical form of Zn and Fe in the wheat grain is in the phytate, not the protein. The P is crucial to Zn, Fe, Mg and K accumulation in the wheat, and agricultural producers should pay special attention to adjust the application of P fertilizer to affect the concentrations of Zn in the crop. In situ imaging of NanoSIMS can elucidate the relations between trace elements in grain samples with clear visualization, and it also has great significance in chemical analysis, crop breeding and environmental monitoring.

Actions (login required)

Edit Item