The cell biology of charophytes: Exploring the past and models for the future

Charophytes (Streptophyta) represent a diverse assemblage of extant green algae that are the sister lineage to land plants. About 500-600+ million years ago, a charophyte progenitor successfully colonized land and subsequently gave rise to land plants. Charophytes have diverse but relatively simple body plans that make them highly attractive organisms for many areas of biological research. At the cellular level, many charophytes have been used for deciphering cytoskeletal networks and their dynamics, membrane trafficking, extracellular matrix secretion, and cell division mechanisms. Some charophytes live in challenging habitats and have become excellent models for elucidating the cellular and molecular effects of various abiotic stressors on plant cells. Recent sequencing of several charophyte genomes has also opened doors for the dissection of biosynthetic and signaling pathways. While we are only in an infancy stage of elucidating the cell biology of charophytes, the future application of novel analytical methodologies in charophyte studies that include a broader survey of inclusive taxa will enhance our understanding of plant evolution and cell dynamics. Charophytes constitute a diverse array of green algal taxa that provide critical insight into plant evolution and offer exciting opportunities for multiple levels of study in plant cell biology.

Automated summary

Charophytes are a diverse group of green algae that are closely related to land plants. They have simple body plans and are widely used in biological research, particularly in studies of cell biology. Charophytes have contributed to our understanding of cytoskeletal networks, membrane trafficking, cell division, and responses to abiotic stressors. The sequencing of charophyte genomes has also provided insights into biosynthetic and signaling pathways. Further research on charophytes will enhance our understanding of plant evolution and cell dynamics.