Cd/Fe interaction in higher plants - its consequences for the photosynthetic apparatus

Cadmium is one of the most dangerous environmental pollutants, affecting, a mong other things, plant mineral composition. It easily interacts with iron , one of the most important elements for plant growth and metabolism. This interaction, including modifying effects of lowered or excessive Fe supply on Cd-exposed plants and its consequences for the photosynthetic apparatus is reviewed. The influence of modified Fe and Cd supply on the uptake of bo th metals, their distribution, plant growth, and photosynthesis is also exp lained. Moderate Fe excess has a beneficial influence on Cd-treated plants, resulting in more intensive growth, photosynthetic pigments accumulation, and more efficient light phase of photosynthesis. Nutrient-medium Fe defici ency increases plant susceptibility to Cd. The main open questions of Cd/Fe interaction are: (1) the strong Fe-dependency of Cd mobility within the pl ant, and (2) photosynthetic dark phase adaptation to Cd stress.