Na⁺ transport in plants

Abstract 

The ability of plants to grow in high NaCl concentrations is associated with the ability of the plants to transport, compartmentalize, extrude, and mobilize Na⁺ ions. While the influx and efflux at the roots establish the steady state rate of entry of Na⁺ into the plant, the compartmentation of Na⁺ into the cell vacuoles and the radial transport of Na⁺ to the stele and its loading into the xylem establish the homeostatic control of Na⁺ in the cytosol of the root cells. Removal of Na⁺ from the transpirational stream, its distribution within the plant and its progressive accumulation in the leaf vacuoles, will determine the ability to deal with the toxic effects of Na⁺. The aim of this review is to highlight and discuss the recent progress in understanding of Na⁺ transport in plants.

Keywords: Sodium, Transport, Plants, NHX, HKT, Ion channels