Ways of ion channel gating in plant cells

A precise control of ion channel opening is essential for the physiological functioning of plant cells. This process is termed gating. Ion channel gat ing can be effected by ligand-binding, fluctuations in membrane potential, membrane stretch and light quality. Modern electrophysiological and molecul ar-biological techniques have enabled the characterization and classificati on of many ion channels according to their gating phenomena. Indications ar e that gating mechanisms are complex and that individual ion channels can b e regulated by a number of factors. In this paper, gating mechanisms are re viewed following a standard classification of ion channels based on permeab ility. The gating of K+, Ca2+ and anion channels in the plasma membrane, to noplast and endomembranes of plant cells is described. (C) 2000 Annals of B otany Company.