Ion channels and the transduction of light signals

Studies of biological light-sensing mechanisms are revealing important role s for ion channels. Photosensory transduction in plants is no exception. In this article, the evidence that ion channels perform such signal-transduci ng functions in the complex array of mechanisms that bring about plant phot omorphogenesis will be reviewed and discussed. The examples selected for di scussion range from light-gradient detection in unicellular algae to the ph otocontrol of stem growth in Arabidopsis. Also included is some discussion of the technical aspects of studies that combine electrophysiology and phot obiology.