Uptake and Metabolism of Organic Compounds: Green‐Liver Model

Abstract

Plant metabolism of organic compounds is a vital phytoremediation process for sustainable waste management. Metabolism appears to follow detoxification or elimination metabolic processes, which are collectively called the “green-liver” model. For this metabolism to take place, the compounds must enter plant tissues; therefore uptake of organic compounds is also covered, with specific applications for phytoremediation. Plant metabolism of organic compounds shares many processes with mammalian liver function, including (1) the capability to detoxify contaminants, (2) the specific enzymatic pathways, and (3) removal of the compounds from the susceptible organelles. The similarities extend to the very structure of the enzymes involved. The major difference is in the ultimate fate—storage as opposed to excretion in mammals. By understanding the processes that occur within the plants used in phytoremediation, a better knowledge of the potential ecological impacts can be gained. Furthermore, new applications can be developed with the knowledge of plant metabolism and, through molecular engineering techniques, a new paradigm in the plant metabolism of contaminants and phytoremediation should result.