Effects of copper stress on plant growth and advances in the mechanisms of plant tolerance research

Copper (Cu) is an important trace element for the growth and health of plants. It plays a vital role in various physiological processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, antioxidant system, and hormone signaling transduction. However, insufficient or excessive Cu content in plant body both seriously affect the normal physiological metabolism in plants. In recent years, the widespread use of copper-containing fungicides and the emission of industrial copper pollutants lead to soil Cu pollution, the resultant Cu stress to plants has attracted wide concern. Hence, exploring the adverse impact of supra-optimal level of Cu to plant growth, and the molecular mechanisms of plants in response to Cu stress is of great significance for the reclamation of copper-contaminated soils. This work reviewed the studies related to copper stress in plants domestically and overseas, and systematically summarized the physiological process of Cu absorption, transportation and accumulation, and the tolerance mechanism of plants in response to copper stress. Further researches required on molecular regulation mechanism of copper stress and phytoremediation were as well proposed .