The role of iron in higher plant chlorophyll biosynthesis, maintenance and chloroplast biogenesis

Abstract

The photosynthetic ability of higher plants has long been known to be adversely affected by iron deficiency. The primary response associated with the unavailability of iron is the loss of chlorophyll. This paper focuses on the role played by iron in the biosynthesis of chlorophyll and its precursors. Special emphasis is placed on the involvement of iron in the formation of δ‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA), the initial committed step in chlorophyll formation. The discussion also surveys the effects of iron deficiency on chloroplast composition, function and ultrastructure.

The use of iron fertilization techniques to control and reverse the photosynthetic pigmentation losses associated with iron deficiency is briefly reviewed.