Structural And Ultrastructural Changes In Nanoparticle Exposed Plants

The applications of nanoparticles on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are increasing and receiving a great scientific attention due to its toxicity effects. The phytotoxicity of nanoparticles is mainly expressed by suppressed germination percentage, impact on morphometric parameters, for instance, root and shoot length, root hairs, biomass, bio-molecules, and cellular damages such as lipid peroxidation, protein damage, membrane destruction, chlorophyll fluorescent, transpiration rate, and photosynthesis. Recent studies indicate several changes in plant cell organelles such as a disruption in the cell wall, cell membrane, chloroplast structure, thylakoids, abnormal size of plastoglobules and starch granules, destructive changes in peroxisomes, swollen mitochondrial cristae, abnormal nucleus, loose, rough and thin mesophyll cells, epidermal, cortical, and stellar cells. Deposition of electronically dense materials near cell walls is also observed. These changes in plant cells impact the plant growth. This is the first chapter to highlight the toxicity of nanoparticles on the plants at anatomical and ultrastructural level.