Untangling iron threads: A deep dive into plant intracellular pools

Abstract

Iron (Fe) is an essential element in plants, involved in numerous metabolic processes including photosynthesis. Its cellular concentration must be regulated accurately to avoid toxicity while meeting metabolic demands. This review explores the distribution, dynamics, and regulation of Fe pools in plant cells, focusing on recent advances in imaging and quantification techniques. We discuss the major Fe compartments-chloroplasts, vacuoles, apoplasts-and their interaction to maintain Fe homeostasis, as well as novel methodologies like single-cell ICP-MS that have transformed our understanding of Fe localization. By summarizing the current knowledge on intracellular Fe dynamics and the complex interplay between different Fe pools, we provide insights into the mechanisms that underpin Fe regulation in plants, which is crucial for future breeding programs aimed at improving plant resilience and nutritional quality.