Nramp5 expression and functionality likely explain higher cadmium uptake in rice than in wheat and maize

摘要

Background and aimsCereals are the main dietary source of cadmium (Cd). Rice grains often contain higher levels of Cd than other cereals, but the reasons are unknown. The aims of this study were to compare Cd uptake, translocation and influx kinetics between rice, wheat and maize and to investigate whether the expression and functionality of Nramp5 genes differ between the three crop species.