Glyphosate biochemical effects

Genetic characterizations of the Ceratopteris glyphosate-tolerant mutants have not been completed. From the initial dose response data, it appears that at least two mutations conferring different levels of glyphosate tolerance have been recovered. Further studies are needed to fully characterize the expression and secondary effects of the mutations in both the gametophyte and sporophyte generations and to investigate the biochemical basis of the trait. 

Glyphosate is phloem mobile and accumulates in accordance with source-sink relationships in meristematic areas of the treated plants. " The general physiological effects of glyphosate are consistent with its acting as a metabolic poison. Death is a slow process, requiring days or weeks much more rapid effects, within hours, can be demonstrated at the biochemical level. These effects can be explained if the turnover rates of specific proteins, and therefore sensitivity to amino acid synthesis inhibition, differ. Inhibition of phenolic biosynthesis and chlorophyll formation and effects on the levels of the phytohormone 3-indoleacetic acid have been considered as target sites but can be viewed as necessary consequences of the primary interference with aromatic amino acid biosynthesis. " ... 

---