Metal uptake in Arabidopsis thaliana. 7-16 Metal uptake in Arabidopsis thaliana . Iron and zinc are essential nutrients, yet overaccumulation of these metals can be toxic.
All cells use precise homeostatic regulatory systems to maintain appropriate intracellular levels.
A primary control point for metal ion homeostasis is regulation of metal uptake across the plasma membrane. Using a combined genetic, molecular and biochemical approach, we have identified a novel family of metal transporters from a diverse array of eukaryotes. All characterized family members have eight highly conserved transmembrane domains and a loop between transmembrane regions 3 and 4 predicted to be cytoplasmic and involved in sensing metal levels. Expression of this transporter is also altered in a number of Arabidopsis mutants with metal accumulation defects. Localization of the expression of these transporters in plants is in progress.