Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026

A Colorimetric Method for Measuring Iron Content in Plants
Published on: September 7, 2018
Optimal copper supply is required for normal plant iron deficiency responses
Brian M Waters1, Laura C Armbrust1
1Department of Agronomy and Horticulture; University of Nebraska; Lincoln, NE USA.
Abstract:
Iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) homeostasis are tightly linked across biology. Understanding crosstalk between Fe and Cu nutrition could lead to strategies for improved growth on soils with low or excess metals, with implications for agriculture and phytoremediation. Here, we show that Cu and Fe nutrition interact to increase or decrease Fe and/or Cu accumulation in leaves and Fe uptake processes. Leaf Cu concentration increased under low Fe supply, while high Cu lowered leaf Fe concentration. Ferric reductase activity, an indicator of Fe demand, was inhibited at insufficient or high Cu supply. Surprisingly, plants grown without Fe were more susceptible to Cu toxicity.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
Microbes and Other Elemental Cycles
Responses to Salt Stress
Microbial Leaching
Minerals
Factors Affecting Erythropoiesis
Several factors influence the erythrocyte production rate, with tissue oxygen level being among the most critical. Intense exercise or high altitudes can cause tissue hypoxia, which triggers the kidneys to release more erythropoietin (EPO) into the bloodstream.
EPO then...

