Na+ transport in plants

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. (c) 2007 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.