Arsenic-induced morphogenic response in roots of arsenic hyperaccumulator fern Pteris vittata

► We studied arsenic hyperaccumulation in Pteris vittata starting from the root system. ► As elicited modifications in root hair number, length and differentiation pattern. ► A modulation in nucleolar activity was detected following As treatments. ► As influenced the production of border-like cells, shown for the first time in ferns. ► As-induced morphogenic responses improved the absorbance features of root.