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Plasmodesmata: intercellular channels for macromolecular transport in plants
1Section of Plant Biology, University of California, Davis 95616, USA.
Current Opinion in Cell Biology
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Plasmodesmata facilitate cell-to-cell transport of molecules in plants. This intercellular pathway, crucial for plant development, also moves plant-encoded proteins like transcription factors.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Plasmodesmata are unique organelles connecting plant cells.
- They enable cytoplasmic and endomembrane continuity throughout the plant.
- Previously, their role in trafficking viral components was established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of plasmodesmata in trafficking endogenous plant molecules.
- To explore the potential of plasmodesmata as a developmental signaling pathway.
Main Methods:
- Microinjection studies were used to introduce molecules into plant cells.
- Accumulating evidence from various studies was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Plasmodesmata facilitate the cell-to-cell movement of viral movement proteins and nucleic acids.
- Plant-encoded proteins, including transcription factors, are also trafficked via plasmodesmata.
- This suggests an endogenous macromolecular trafficking pathway.
Conclusions:
- Plasmodesmata form a supracellular network for intercellular communication.
- This network is involved in the delivery of information molecules crucial for plant development.