Predicting Contaminant Uptake by Plants

What is it about?

Here we present a predictive model to explain uptake of organic compounds by plants. The model shows that hydrophobicity, molecular weight, and the number of hydrogen bond donors are good predictors of chemical uptake by plants. These same descriptors are also good predictors of chemical transport across human membranes, such as the intestine.

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Why is it important?

This model provides a simple tool for screening new chemicals for their likelihood of uptake by plants. The model also demonstrates functional similarities between human and plant systems.