Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Measuring Fluxes of Mineral Nutrients and Toxicants in Plants with Radioactive Tracers
Published on: August 22, 2014
Molecular mechanisms and regulation of K+ transport in higher plants
Anne-Aliénor Véry1, Hervé Sentenac
1UMR 5004 CNRS/ENSA-M/INRA/UM2, Place Viala, 34060 Montpellier, France. very@ensam.inra.fr
Abstract:
Potassium (K+) plays a number of important roles in plant growth and development. Over the past few years, molecular approaches associated with electrophysiological analyses have greatly advanced our understanding of K+ transport in plants. A large number of genes encoding K+ transport systems have been identified, revealing a high level of complexity. Characterization of some transport systems is providing exciting information at the molecular level on functions such as root K+ uptake and secretion into the xylem sap, K+ transport in guard cells, or K+ influx into growing pollen tubes. In this review, we take stock of this recent molecular information. The main families of plant K+ transport systems (Shaker and KCO channels, KUP/HAK/KT and HKT transporters) are described, along with molecular data on how these systems are regulated. Finally, we discuss a few physiological questions on which molecular studies have shed new light.
Related Concept Videos
Short-distance Transport of Resources
Xylem and Transpiration-driven Transport of Resources
Regulation of Transpiration by Stomata
The Apoplast and Symplast
Responses to Salt Stress
Cell Signaling in Plants

