biologia plantarum

Biologia plantarum 48:327-332, 2004 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041082.37723.c7

Imaging of Calcium Channels During Polarity Induction in Plant Cells

S.C. Bhatla¹, G. Kalra¹

¹ Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi-, India, e-mail

Understanding the molecular basis of polarity induction in plant cells is a research aspect that extends from signal perception and transduction to morphogenesis. A gradient of cytoplasmic ion fluxes generated through ion channels plays a crucial role in subsequent events leading to polar growth. Convincing evidence is now available implicating temporal and spatial distribution of Ca²⁺ in cytoplasm, generated by localized activity of calcium channels, as the early biochemical events associated with polarity induction. Ion channel antagonists are common tools for studying ion channel structure and function. Coupled with a fluorescent dyes, calcium channel antagonists (phenylalkylamine and dihydropyridine), have been used to localize L-type calcium channels. Additionally, the advent of Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy has made possible the visualization of Ca²⁺ channels in plant cells. Persisting problems of dye loading and their cellular compartmentation have been addressed by developing a variety of experimental protocols. Present article highlights the current state of our understanding of these concepts, methodologies and their applications in different aspects of plant development.

Keywords: calcium antagonists; confocal laser scanning mirocscopy; voltage-gated ion channels

Subjects: calcium antagonists; confocal laser scanning microscopy; dihydropyridine, Ca channel antagonist; imaging of calcium channels; phenylalkylamine, Ca channel antagonist; polarity induction in plant cells; polen tubes; root, hairs; voltage-gated ion channels

Published: September 1, 2004  Show citation