Major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transporter involved in zinc tolerance by participating in vacuolar sequestration of zinc. Strongly expressed in developing leaves, differentiating zones of root tips and sepals of developing flowers. Restricted to vascular tissues in older leaves, mature roots, flowers, anthers and filaments. Not expressed in developing anthers. Up-regulated by zinc and manganese. Not induced by cadmium, copper or iron. Down-regulated upon nematode infection. Zinc sensitivity resulting in increased chlorosis and decreased shoot fresh weight and root length. Accumulation of high levels of zinc in shoots. Overexpression of ZIF1 confers increased zinc tolerance and causes interveinal leaf chlorosis. Belongs to the major facilitator superfamily.