A transgene encoding a plasma membrane H+-ATPase that confers acid resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings.
Proton pumps (H+-ATPases) are the primary active transport systems in the plasma membrane of higher plant cells. These enzymes are encoded by a large gene family expressed throughout the plant, with specific isoforms directed to various specialized cells. While their involvement in membrane energetics has been suggested by a large body of biochemical and physiological studies, a genetic analysis of their role in plants has not yet been performed. We report here that mutant Arabidopsis thaliana plants containing a phloem-specific transgene encoding a plasma membrane H+-ATPase with an altered carboxy terminus show improved growth at low pH during seedling development. These observations provide the first genetic evidence for a role of the plasma membrane H+-ATPase in cytoplasmic pH homeostasis in plants.
Young
J C
JC
Biotechnology Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA.
DeWitt
N D
ND
Sussman
M R
MR
D000143:Acids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017360:Arabidopsis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics; D004351:Drug Resistance / Q000235:genetics; D017343:Genes, Plant; D010944:Plants / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D019076:Transgenes / Q000235:genetics*
D000143:Acids