K+ channel activity in plants:: Genes, regulations and functions

Potassium (K+) is the most abundant cation in the cytosol, and plant growth requires that large amounts of K+ are transported from the soil to the growing organs. K+ uptake and fluxes within the plant are mediated by several families of transporters and channels. Here, we describe the different families of K+-selective channels that have been identified in plants, the so-called Shaker, TPK and Kir-like channels, and what is known so far on their regulations and physiological functions in the plant. (c) 2007 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.