[Paper Review] Biogenic magnetic nanoparticles in plants

Svitlana Gorobets, Oksana Gorobets+3 more|arXiv (Cornell University)|Jan 22, 2019

Magnetic and Electromagnetic EffectsBiochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology42 references3 citations

TL;DR

This study identifies biogenic magnetic nanoparticles (BMNs) in plants, including tobacco, potato, and pea, using scanning probe microscopy, revealing their localization in phloem sieve tube walls as chain-like structures. The authors propose that these BMNs generate stray magnetic fields (~several thousand Oe) that enhance mass transfer near cellular membranes, with artificial magnetite addition further boosting this effect, suggesting a conserved metabolic role in plant vascular systems.

ABSTRACT

The genetic programming of biosynthesis of biogenic magnetic nanoparticles (BMNs) in plants was revealed by methods of comparative genomics. The samples of leaves and the root of Nicotiana tabacum, the stems and tubers of Solanum tuberosum and the stems of pea Pisum sativum were examined by scanning probe microscopy (in atomic force and magnetic power modes), and it was found that the BMNs are located in the form of chains in the wall of the phloem sieve tubes (ie, the vascular tissue of plants). Such a localization of BMNs supports the idea that the chains of BMNs in different organs of plants have common metabolic functions. Stray gradient magnetic fields about several thousand Oe, which are created by chains of BMNs, can significantly affect the processes of mass transfer near the membrane of vesicles, granules, organelles, structural elements of the membrane, and others. This process is enhanced in plants when artificial magnetite is added to the soil.

Motivation & Objective

• To investigate the presence and structural characteristics of biogenic magnetic nanoparticles (BMNs) in various plant species.
• To determine the subcellular localization of BMNs in plant vascular tissues using advanced microscopy techniques.
• To explore the potential metabolic functions of BMNs, particularly in relation to mass transfer processes in plant cells.
• To assess the impact of exogenous magnetite on cellular transport mechanisms in plants.
• To establish a genetic basis for BMN biosynthesis in plants through comparative genomics.

Proposed method

• Scanning probe microscopy in atomic force and magnetic force modes was used to image BMNs in plant tissues.
• Comparative genomics was applied to identify genetic programming responsible for BMN biosynthesis in plants.
• Samples from Nicotiana tabacum, Solanum tuberosum, and Pisum sativum were analyzed for BMN presence and distribution.
• Magnetic field strength generated by BMN chains was estimated based on observed structural arrangements.
• Experiments with artificial magnetite added to soil were conducted to evaluate effects on mass transfer processes.
• Data on BMN distribution and magnetic field effects were compiled and analyzed across multiple plant organs.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 Where are biogenic magnetic nanoparticles localized within the vascular tissues of plants?
• RQ2 What is the functional role of chain-like arrangements of BMNs in plant cells?
• RQ3 How do the magnetic fields generated by BMN chains influence mass transfer near cellular membranes?
• RQ4 Can exogenous magnetite enhance mass transfer processes in plants, and if so, how?
• RQ5 What genetic mechanisms underlie the biosynthesis of BMNs in plants?

Key findings

• Biogenic magnetic nanoparticles (BMNs) were detected in the phloem sieve tube walls of Nicotiana tabacum, Solanum tuberosum, and Pisum sativum.
• BMNs were found to form chain-like structures within the cell walls of phloem vascular tissue.
• The chains of BMNs generate stray magnetic fields of approximately several thousand Oersted (Oe).
• These magnetic fields are predicted to enhance mass transfer processes near vesicles, organelles, and membrane structures.
• Artificial addition of magnetite to soil was shown to further enhance mass transfer in plants.
• Comparative genomics revealed genetic programming underlying the biosynthesis of BMNs in plants.