Research Advances on Silicon Transporters in Plants

Abstract:

Silicon, as a non-metallic element, not only plays an important role in plant growth and development, but also involves in biotic and abiotic resistance. Silicon transporters are directly responsible for the absorption and transportation of silicon, which could be mainly classified into silicon influx transporters and silicon efflux transporters according to their transport properties. In this review, the structural characteristics, functions, and regulatory modes of the reported silicon transporters are summarized, the process of silicon uptake and transport in plants are described, the existing problems are put forward, and the future research directions is also prospected.

Key words:Silicon;Silicon transporter;Silicon uptake and transport mechanism