ThefecC gene encoding a putative iron (III) dicitrate transporter was cloned from nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteriumAnabaena sp. PCC 7120, and inactivated. The mutant grows normally in medium with NO 3 − , NH 4 + or without combined nitrogen. But in iron-deficient medium, the mutant grows slowly. Photosynthetic properties were compared between the mutant and the wildtype strain, the content of photosynthetic pigments in the mutant is lower than that of the wild-type. The results of RT-PCR experiments show that thefecC gene is expressed under iron-deficient conditions, but is not expressed under iron-replete conditions. These results revealed thatfecC gene product is required for optimal growth under iron-deficient conditions inAnabaena sp. PCC 7120.