Role of Ca and EGTA on Stomatal Movements in Commelina communis L

Ca(2+) (0.1-1.0 millimolar) accelerated dark-induced stomatal closure and reduced stomatal apertures in the light in epidermal peels of Commelina communis L. In contrast, ethyleneglycol-bis-(beta-aminoethyl ether) N,N'tetraacetic acid (EGTA) (2 millimolar), a Ca(2+) chelator, prevented closure in the dark and accelerated opening in the light. EGTA did not promote significant opening in the dark. It is therefore concluded that EGTA does not increase ion uptake into guard cells, but rather prevents ion efflux. Addition of EGTA to incubating solutions with 10 millimolar KCl resulted in steady state apertures of 15.6 micrometers, whereas in the absence of EGTA similar apertures required 55 millimolar KCl and 150 millimolar KCl was needed in the presence of 1 millimolar CaCl(2). The results demonstrate the importance of Ca(2+) in the regulation of stomatal closure and point to a role of Ca(2+) in the regulation of K(+) efflux from stomatal guard cells.