[en] Effect of different concentrations (upto 5%) of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on uptake and transport of radio-zinc and radio-phosphorus and permeability of root to these radio-isotopes was investigated in two-weeks-old maize (Zea mays L. var. Ganga-2) seedlings. In lower concentrations (0.01,0.10, and 1%). DMSO stimulated uptake and transport of zinc-65. Higher concentrations (5%) stimulated zinc-65 uptake only during short duration studies (3 hours) but reduced zinc-65 accumulation significantly during prolonged exposure. Uptake and transport of phosphorus-32 was found to be more sensitive to this chemical since 1% IMSO inhibited its accumulation even at 3 hours exposure period. Permeability studies in which roots were initially loaded with radio-zinc or radio-phosphorus revealed that DMSO caused a greater leaching of both the radio-isotopes. The results are discussed in the light of available information the effects of DMSO on root permeability and metabolism. The agricultural implications of the findings are also discussed. (author)