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Molecular and cellular aspects of calcium action in plantsCalcium is known to be a second messenger in many developmental processes in animal systems, but it has only recently become evident that Ca is an important intracellular messenger in plants as well. The level of free Ca concentration in the cytoplasm is extremely low, and it is influenced by extracellular signals such as light, gravity, and hormones. Investigations from our laboratory indicated that Ca and its binding protein, calmodulin, play an important role in stimulus-response coupling by regulating enzyme activities, especially through protein phosphorylation. In vivo and in vitro protein phosphorylation studies have revealed Ca-dependent changes in various plant tissues. We have also been able to influence various physiological processes such as cell elongation, abscission, senescence, and tuberization by altering extracellular and intracellular Ca levels. Other examples of Ca-mediated processes in plants are as follows: a) cell division, b) geotropism, c) protoplasmic streaming, d) stomatal control, e) chloroplast movement, f) secretion, g) hormone-dependent changes, h) enzyme activation, and i) protein phosphorylation.
Document ID
20040090308
Acquisition Source
Kennedy Space Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Poovaiah, B. W.
(Washington State University Pullman 99164-6414)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1988
Publication Information
Publication: HortScience : a publication of the American Society for Horticultural Science
Volume: 23
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0018-5345
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG10-0032
CONTRACT_GRANT: DCB-8502215
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Program Space Biology
Non-NASA Center
Review, Tutorial
Review
NASA Discipline Number 40-30
NASA Discipline Plant Biology

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