Effect of Different Forms of Antimony (Sb) on Genes Encoding Functions Associated with Root Morphology, Physiology and Root Cell Wall in Rice (Oryza sativa)

High levels of antimony (Sb) adversely affect plant growth and development. We aimed to uncover the harmful effects of different forms of Sb on root morphology, physiology and expression profiles of genes encoding functions associated with roots. Rice plants grown in ½ Hoagland nutrient solution were exposed to Sb(III) and Sb(V) at concentrations of 10 and 20 mgL−1 for one week. Results demonstrated that higher concentrations of Sb(III) significantly impaired root morphological traits, with high toxicity observed at 20 mgL−1 Sb(III) and 10 mgL−1 Sb(V). The application of Sb(III) led to reduced uronic acid levels in hemicellulose-II (HCII) with cell organelle and cytosol displaying substantial accumulation of Sb(III). Enzymatic activity revealed that high levels of Sb(III) disrupted the activity of cellulase (CE) and pectin methylesterase (PME), while augmenting the activity of Xyloglucan endotransglycosylase hydrolase (XTH). Additionally, polygalacturonase (PG) was significantly reduced under Sb(V) 10 mgL−1 exposure. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used for continuous data to draw a linear trend between studied parameters. Shoot biomass displayed a negative correlation with root and shoot Sb. Shoot XTH had a positive correlation with shoot Sb. Furthermore, root and shoot Sb showed a positive association with root diameter and XTH. Hemicellulose-1 (HCI) was negatively associated with PME, PG and pectin, suggesting that HCI was a suitable binding site for uronic acid in the context of Sb contamination. Additionally, to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying root structural alterations, the expression profiles of key cell wall-related genes—Expansin, Cellulase synthase, XTH8 (xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolases) and Pectinesterase—were systematically analyzed using qRT-PCR. All genes were up-regulated in response to different forms of Sb exhibiting resistance. Xylanase was down-regulated, showing its role in the containment of Sb in roots. Further studies are advised for elucidating the mechanism of action of Sb on different tissues of rice plants.