Acclimatization

Enzyme

Cofactor

Bacteria

Algae

Biology

Gene

Biophysics

Photosynthesis

Electron transport chain

Cyanobacteria

Botany

Cell biology

Genetics

Biochemistry

Homeostasis

Chloroplast

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Iron (Fe) is essential for life because of its role in protein cofactors. Photosynthesis, in particular photosynthetic electron transport, has a very high demand for Fe cofactors. Fe is commonly limiting in the environment, and therefore photosynthetic organisms must acclimate to Fe availability and avoid stress associated with Fe deficiency. In plants, adjustment of metabolism, of Fe utilization, and gene expression, is especially important in the chloroplasts during Fe limitation. In this review, we discuss Fe use, Fe transport, and mechanisms of acclimation to Fe limitation in photosynthetic lineages with a focus on the photosynthetic electron transport chain. We compare Fe homeostasis in Cyanobacteria, the evolutionary ancestors of chloroplasts, with Fe homeostasis in green algae and in land plants in order to provide a deeper understanding of how chloroplasts and photosynthesis may cope with Fe limitation.

Regulation of Iron Homeostasis and Use in Chloroplasts