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The role of microtubules in guard cell function
A I Marcus1, R C Moore, R J Cyr
1Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA.
Plant Physiology
|January 12, 2001
Summary
Microtubules are essential for guard cells to open stomata in response to environmental cues. Disrupting microtubules prevents stomatal opening, indicating their role in an early signaling pathway for gas exchange regulation.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Guard cells regulate leaf gas exchange by adjusting stomatal aperture in response to environmental signals.
- The precise role of the microtubule cytoskeleton in mediating these stomatal movements remains debated in plant science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of the microtubule cytoskeleton in guard cell stomatal opening.
- To elucidate the involvement of microtubules in the signaling pathway regulating stomatal aperture.
Main Methods:
- In vivo stomatal aperture assays were conducted using various microtubule inhibitors.
- Guard cells expressing a green fluorescent protein::microtubule binding domain fusion protein were analyzed.
- The effects of anti-microtubule drugs (propyzamide, oryzalin, trifluralin) were assessed.
Main Results:
- Guard cells expressing the microtubule-binding fusion protein failed to open under all tested environmental triggers.
- Treatment with anti-microtubule drugs also inhibited stomatal opening.
- Inhibition was reversible with fusicoccin, a proton pump activator.
Conclusions:
- Microtubules play a crucial role in an upstream signaling event preceding ionic fluxes required for stomatal opening.
- Evidence suggests a microtubule-associated protein is involved in this microtubule-based signal transduction pathway.
- These findings clarify the involvement of the microtubule cytoskeleton in regulating plant gas exchange.
Keywords:
Non-programmatic