Stretch-activated chloride, potassium, and calcium channels coexisting in plasma membranes of guard cells of Vicia faba L.

Daniel J. Cosgrove, Rainer Hedrich

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

290 Scopus citations

Abstract

Mechanosensitive ion channels in the plasma membrane of Vicia faba guard cell protoplasts were studied by use of the patch clamp technique. Stretch-activated (SA) channels in outside-out patches were analyzed for channel conductance, kinetics and ion selectivity. We found three distinct SA channels, permeable to Cl-, K+ and Ca2+ and distinguishable from spontaneous (non-SA) channels for these ions on the basis of conductance, kinetics, and voltage-dependence, as well as sensitivity to membrane stretch. In the attached patch configuration, light suction (2 to 10 kPa) reversibly induced channel opening with multiple amplitudes and complex kinetics. The open probability for SA channels increased nonlinearly with pipette suction. In guard cells in situ, these SA channels may mediate ion transport across the plasma membrane directly, as well as influence the activity of non-SA channels via effects on membrane voltage and cytoplasmic calcium. Through such effects, SA channels likely influence volume and turgor regulation of guard cells, and thereby control of leaf gas exchange.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)143-153
Number of pages11
JournalPlanta
Volume186
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1991

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Genetics
  • Plant Science

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