Ways of ion channel gating in plant cells

A precise control of ion channel opening is essential for the physiological functioning of plant cells. This process is termed gating. Ion channel gating can be effected by ligand-binding, fluctuations in membrane potential, membrane stretch and light quality. Modern electrophysiological and molecular-biological techniques have enabled the characterization and classification of many ion channels according to their gating phenomena. Indications are that gating mechanisms are complex and that individual ion channels can be regulated by a number of factors. In this paper, gating mechanisms are reviewed following a standard classification of ion channels based on permeability. The gating of K+, Ca2+ and anion channels in the plasma membrane, tonoplast and endomembranes of plant cells is described. (C) 2000 Annals of Botany Company.