Iron Deficiency in Cyanobacteria

Abstract

Iron is very important for photosynthetic microorganisms, including cyanobacteria, because the electron transport system of photosynthesis is highly iron-dependent. However, iron limitation is frequently occurred in natural habitats, limiting the photosynthetic activity and biomass production of cyanobacteria and other photosynthetic microorganisms. Cyanobacteria have evolved various strategies to adapt the conditions of iron deficiency. In this chapter, we will review the iron stress responses of cyanobacteria, talking about both the physiological changes and the molecular mechanisms.