It contributes to several cellular and physiological activities of plants and promotes plantgrowth, development, and yield. Zn is an important structural, enzymatic, and regulatory component of many proteins and enzymes. Without adequate zinc, these processes may falter, leading to stunted growth or compromised plant health. Furthermore, zinc plays a part in the synthesis of auxins, which are hormones crucial for growth regulation in plants. · Despite being required in minute amounts compared to macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, zinc’s influence on plant health is profound and multifaceted. · In this review, we focused on the role of zinc (Zn) in the regulation of cellular metabolism in plants and its crosstalk with the known molecular mechanisms of zinc action. · Plants are the ultimate source of zinc in the human diet, and human Zn deficiency accounts for over 400 000 deaths annually. Here, we review the current understanding of zinc homeostasis in plants from the molecular and physiological perspectives. This review examines the crucial role of Zinc (Zn) in plant nutrition, highlighting its essential functions in plantgrowth, development, and defence. Zn is a micronutrient that plays a vital part in various physiological processes, including enzyme activation, gene expression, and protein synthesis. Zinc is also involved in regulating auxin, a primary plantgrowth hormone, and in forming chlorophyll for photosynthesis. Despite its importance, deficiency is a global issue, affecting approximately 50% of agricultural soils and leading to stunted growth and reduced crop yields worldwide.
