Transfer of metal ions in the soil-root interface: influence of copper(II) on the stability of the fibrils

A network of Ca-polygalacturonate arranged in fibrils similar to those of plant roots (Gessa C. and Deiana S., (1990); C.Gessa and Deiana S., (1990)) constitutes a very useful model far the study of the ionic transfer both in the soil-root interface and in the apoplast.Due to the fact that important properties of the network, such as the hydration degree and the absorption phenomena, vary dramatically with the reticulating ion (Gessa C. and Deiana S., (1989)), this note reports on the influence of the metal ions on the fibrillar structure of the network and gives further information about the transfer of the metal ions to the roots.