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Updated: May 9, 2026
07:14
A Cell-to-cell Macromolecular Transport Assay in Planta Utilizing Biolistic Bombardment
Published on: August 27, 2010
Intersection of transfer cells with phloem biology-broad evolutionary trends, function, and induction
Felicity A Andriunas1, Hui-Ming Zhang, Xue Xia
1Department of Biological Sciences, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
Frontiers in Plant Science
|July 13, 2013
Summary
Transfer cells (TCs) enhance plant resource transport via specialized ingrowth walls and transporter proteins. This review explores their phloem function, inductive signaling, and challenges in studying stem node TCs.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Cell Biology
- Plant Physiology
Background:
- Transfer cells (TCs) possess unique ingrowth wall labyrinths and abundant transporter proteins, enhancing membrane transport capacity.
- TCs facilitate phloem loading and unloading in areas of intense resource exchange, particularly in leaf minor veins and stem nodes.
- TCs differentiate from companion or phloem parenchyma cells to support resource distribution within the phloem.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the phloem transport function of Transfer cells (TCs).
- To explore the inductive signaling pathways regulating TC morphology and function.
- To highlight the experimental challenges and emerging understanding of TC regulation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on Transfer cells (TCs).
- Analysis of studies investigating TC inductive signaling and membrane transport.
- Exploration of experimental models, including biotic phloem invaders.
Main Results:
- Definitive evidence supports the functional role of collection phloem and seed TCs.
- Stem node TCs present significant experimental challenges, limiting functional data.
- Understanding of inductive signals (auxin, ethylene, ROS) for seed TCs is emerging, with potential parallels to phloem-associated TCs.
Conclusions:
- Transfer cells play crucial roles in plant resource allocation within the phloem.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the function and regulation of stem node TCs.
- Inductive signaling pathways for TCs, especially in seeds, are a key area for future investigation.
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