铁在植物中的关键作用及其生物学功能

Iron plays a crucial role in plants, serving as one of the most important trace elements in living organisms. In biological systems, iron is a key element essential for maintaining life activities and is involved in multiple critical physiological processes, including photosynthesis, DNA synthesis, cell division, oxygen transport, and cellular respiration (HELL R and STEPHAN U W, 2003; JEONG J, et al., 2017). For example, in photosynthesis, iron is not only a key element in carbon dioxide fixation but also reacts with oxygen to produce reactive oxygen species, which can ultimately harm cellular integrity. Therefore, it is necessary to strictly control iron homeostasis to avoid both iron deficiency and toxicity (Briat JF, et al., 2010). Iron deficiency has a significant impact on plant growth and development. When plants lack iron, chlorophyll synthesis is impeded, leading to gradual yellowing of leaves, a condition known as chlorosis, which adversely affects the efficiency of photosynthesis and energy conversion (RISHI G, et al., 2021). Iron deficiency also affects the synthesis and activity of many enzymes, thereby impacting the immune system, the development of reproductive organs, and reproductive capacity and yield (ZHAI L, et al., 2021; MONTEJANO-RAMÍREZ V, et al., 2023). Under iron-deficient conditions, plants have mechanisms to enhance Fe acquisition, regulating and mobilizing transport proteins to increase iron absorption. These transport proteins can also transport other metals such as manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) (Kumar A, et al., 2025; Zhang M, et al., 2025). Excess iron can also have adverse effects on plants. High iron levels can lead to iron toxicity, particularly in iron-sensitive plants. Symptoms of iron toxicity include brown or black spots on leaves, leaf margin scorching, and stunted plant growth (Briat JF, et al., 2010). Excess iron may interact with other trace elements, inhibiting the absorption of other essential elements and affecting the overall nutritional balance of the plant, which negatively impacts growth and development (Sahrawat K. L., 2005). A deeper understanding of the biological functions of iron not only aids in elucidating fundamental life sciences but also provides a theoretical foundation for human and plant health.