Zinc deficiency is a global problem of considerable importance for agriculture and human health. Under zinc deficiency conditions, many essential zinc-dependent physiological functions are unable to operate normally, and the cellular homeostasis is adversely affected. This paper described the potential damages that low-zinc bioavailability in soil can have for plants, humans, and animals. In addition, current knowledge on physiological and molecular aspects of zinc homeostasis in plants and strategies used to increase zinc deficiency tolerance were discussed.
biofortification; mineral nutrition; plant abiotic stress; plant nutrition
