Abstract
The presence of Hg(2+) causes substantial stress to plants, adversely affecting growth and health by disrupting cell cycle divisions, photosynthesis, and ionic homeostasis. Accurate visualization of the spatiotemporal distribution of Hg(2+) in plant tissues is crucial for the management of Hg pollution; however, the related research is still at its early stage. Herein, a small-molecule amphiphilic fluorescent probe (termed LJTP2) was developed for the specific detection of Hg(2+) with a high sensitivity (~16 nM). Fluorescent imaging applications with LJTP2 not only detected the dynamic distribution of Hg(2+) within plant cells at the subcellular level but also enabled the understanding of cell membrane health under Hg(2+) stress. This study introduces a valuable imaging tool for elucidating the molecular mechanism of Hg(2+) stress in plants, demonstrating the potential of the application of small-molecule fluorescent probes in plant science.