Biological systems are governed by the sum of all expressed genes, proteins, metabolites and components of an organism. The analysis of a tissue ionome helps to identify, among others, genes that contribute to a greater or lesser accumulation of essential elements and heavy metals, as well as interaction between metabolic processes. The ionome knowledge, coupled with the use of molecular biology techniques, form a very efficient system for gene mapping, and functional genomic studies, and general characterization of plants physiological status in a given condition. Another interesting process that the ionome study allows to analyse is the interactions among plants' ions and how such ion availability can affect the absorption and use of others. The aim of this review is to present and discuss the ionome as an important tool in the elucidation of several mechanisms involved in absorption, translocation and accumulation of essential and nonessential elements in plant and its relation with their metabolism.
functional genomics; ion transporters; mineral nutrients
