Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2006; 8(3): 353-359
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-924121
Review Article

Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart KG · New York

Ion Channels Meet Auxin Action

I. Fuchs1 , K. Philippar1 , 2 , R. Hedrich1
  • 1Julius-von-Sachs-Institute, Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Biocenter Würzburg University, Julius-von-Sachs-Platz 2, 97082 Würzburg, Germany
  • 2Present address: Department for Biology 1, Botany III, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Menzingerstraße 67, 80638 Munich, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Received: November 17, 2005

Accepted: March 27, 2006

Publication Date:
15 May 2006 (online)

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Abstract

The regulation of cell division and elongation in plants is accomplished by the action of different phytohormones. Auxin as one of these growth regulators is known to stimulate cell elongation growth in the aerial parts of the plant. Here, auxin enhances cell enlargement by increasing the extensibility of the cell wall and by facilitating the uptake of osmolytes such as potassium ions into the cell. Starting in the late 1990s, the auxin regulation of ion channels mediating K+ import into the cell has been studied in great detail. In this article we will focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying the modulation of K+ transport by auxin and present a model to explain how the regulation of K+ channels is involved in auxin-induced cell elongation growth.

References

R. Hedrich

Julius-von-Sachs-Institute
Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics
Biocenter Würzburg University

Julius-von-Sachs-Platz 2

97082 Würzburg

Germany

Email: hedrich@botanik.uni-wuerzburg.de

Guest Editor: R. Reski