Transcription factor involved in the response to zinc ion deficiency. Binds to the consensus sequence 5'-[AG]TGTCGACA[CT]-3' also called zinc deficiency response element (ZDRE). The ZDRE sequence is conserved in the plant kingdom and present in the promoters of genes that constitute the primary response to zinc deficiency, comprising additional ZIP metal transporter genes (PubMed:20479230, PubMed:26306426). Required for zinc accumulation in roots. Mediates the expression of the zinc transporter ZIP12 during growth in zinc-deficient conditions. ZIP12 transporter is involved in zinc uptake in roots (PubMed:26306426). Induced by zinc deficiency. No visible phenotype under normal growth conditions (PubMed:20479230, PubMed:26306426). Mutant seedlings grown under normal conditions accumulate reduced levels of zinc in roots. Mutant seedlings grown in zinc-depleted medium have reduced root length (PubMed:26306426).