Uptake of 51CrO2−4 by intact barley seedlings was linear over 24 h and was stimulated by Ca2+ but inhibited by SO2−4 and other Group VI anions. Uptake increased with increasing chromate concentration, but unless the concentration was high (100 μM) less than 1 per cent of the isotope absorbed was transported to the shoots. The results of solvent extraction, subcellular fractionation and efflux studies indicated that most of the isotope accumulated by the roots was present in a soluble non-particulate form in the vacuoles. The possible reasons for the restriction in chromate transport are discussed in relation to the metabolism of the element.