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Physiological roles and transport mechanisms of boron: perspectives from plants

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Abstract

Boron, an orphan of the periodic table of the elements, is unique not only in its chemical properties but also in its roles in biology. Its requirement in plants was described more than 80 years ago. Understandings of the molecular basis of the requirement and transport have been advanced greatly in the last decade. This article reviews recent findings of boron function and transport in plants and discusses possible implication to other organisms including humans.

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Acknowledgements

The present review is in part based on the daily discussion with the members of our laboratory, and we would like to specially thank Drs. Junpei Takano, Hideki Hanaoka, and Kyoko Miwa for sharing thoughts and information.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biotechnology Research Center, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan

    Mayuki Tanaka & Toru Fujiwara

  2. SORST, JST, Tokyo, Japan

    Toru Fujiwara

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  1. Mayuki Tanaka
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  2. Toru Fujiwara
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Correspondence to Toru Fujiwara.

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Tanaka, M., Fujiwara, T. Physiological roles and transport mechanisms of boron: perspectives from plants. Pflugers Arch - Eur J Physiol 456, 671–677 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00424-007-0370-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00424-007-0370-8

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