Role of Rare Earth Elements in Plants

Rare earth elements (generally abbreviated as REEs) are the name used to define 17 metals with special physicochemical features. In general, REEs are interest of chemists mainly because of their peculiar chemical abilities. However, this situation started to change, and REEs, recently, turn out to be a hotspot also for environmental biologist, plant biologist, and molecular biologists. Despite that there are diverse studies regarding biology of these elements (also defined as metals), biologist still have limited knowledge about the mechanisms of REE action in living (particular in reducing their toxic effects at high doses) and about the areas in which these metals can be used as biotechnological tools. REEs have a peculiarity that they can bind to other molecules to enhance several physiological activities like growth and development in plants and photosynthesis, and they are able to behave as synergistic agents for the intake of several nutrients. The supply of these elements in several species can be, as well, an important source of synthesis of natural compounds. The exogenous application of REEs in plants has been demonstrated to antagonize damages of salinity and metal stresses. The present review aims to put forward a comprehensive account of the latest findings related to the effects of REEs’ on different aspects of plant growth and development. This compilation mainly targets scientists who afford to discover action mechanisms of REEs and researchers focussing on the amelioration of adverse consequences generated by REEs.