PLANT SIGNALING AND FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITIES OF PLANTS

Abstract

This study examines the signaling potential of certain plant species, particularly higher plants, as bioindicators of heavy metal (HM) and other toxicant presence in agroecosystems and technogenic soils. The work focuses on the structural-functional and physiological-biochemical characteristics of plants capable of accumulating and removing HMs and various pollutants, emphasizing their practical relevance for environmental monitoring and remediation. Specific attention is given to mechanisms of metal uptake, translocation, and detoxification, as well as to the adaptive responses of plants exposed to contaminated substrates. By integrating insights from plant physiology, biochemistry, and ecology, the research highlights the potential of using selected species as cost-effective and sustainable tools for assessing soil contamination levels and mitigating environmental risks. The findings underscore the importance of understanding species-specific traits that govern accumulation efficiency and tolerance, providing a foundation for developing targeted phytoremediation strategies. Overall, this work contributes to contemporary approaches in environmental management, offering practical guidance for employing plants as indicators and mitigators of soil toxicity.