Autophagy balances the zinc–iron seesaw caused by Zn-stress

Under zinc (Zn) deficiency, plants take up excess iron (Fe), but the uptake is inhibited under Zn excess. Coordination between intracellular recycling, transport, and sensing is essential for Zn–Fe homeostasis. A new study shows that autophagy resupplies Zn2+ and Fe2+ to correct intracellular Zn–Fe imbalances.