Plant micronutrient uptake pathways

Plant micronutrient uptake pathways comprise a network of plasma membrane-localized transporters, channels, and associated regulatory and signaling elements that control the acquisition, distribution, and homeostasis of essential micronutrients (e.g., iron, zinc, copper, manganese, boron, molybdenum, chlorine, nickel) within plant systems[5][6][7]. These pathways utilize several families of high- and low-affinity transporters such as ZIP (Zinc-regulated Iron transporter-like Proteins), NRAMP (Natural Resistance-Associated Macrophage Proteins), PHT (Phosphate Transporters), COPT (Copper Transporters), and others[4][5][6][7]. Uptake mechanisms are energy-dependent, often coupled to proton gradients created by plasma membrane H+-ATPases, and can involve symbiotic interactions (e.g., arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for phosphate)[6]. Molecular cross-regulation occurs between different micronutrients and with macronutrient pathways, governed by intricate feedback and transcriptional control networks[2][3][5]. These pathways are critical for plant growth, crop yield, nutritional quality, and resilience to nutrient deficiencies, but they are not conventional molecular drug targets.

Other names

Plant micronutrient transportersPlant micronutrient acquisition pathwaysMicronutrient uptake mechanisms in plants