From the Ionome to the Genome: Identifying the Gene Networks that Control the Mineral Content of Plants

Here we describe ionomics, the quantitative and simultaneous measurement of the elemental composition of living organisms, and its application to the study of plant mineral nutrition. We detail the analytical and bioinformatic approaches that allow for high-throughput screening of the ionome and how they have been applied to the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana to elucidate genetic and biochemical pathways necessary for proper ion homeostasis. Ionomics should help us understand which genes are responsible for the ability of plants to adapt to environments that vary widely in mineral content and how these genes ultimately control the ionome of the plant.