title: Whole-Cell K+ Currents across the Plasma Membrane of Tobacco Protoplasts from Cell-Suspension Cultures.
abstract: The whole-cell configuration of the patch clamp technique was used to study both outward and inward ion currents across the plasma membrane of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) protoplasts from cell-suspension cultures. The ion currents across the plasma membrane were analyzed by the application of stepwise potential changes from a holding potential or voltage ramps. In all protoplasts, a voltage- and time-dependent outward rectifying current was present. The conductance increased upon depolarization of the membrane potential (to >0 mV) with a sigmoidal time course. The reversal potential of the outward current shifted in the direction of the K+ equilibrium potential upon changing the external K+ concentration. The outward current did not show inactivation. In addition to the outward rectifying current, in about 30% of the protoplasts, a time- and voltage-dependent inward rectifying current was present as well. The inward rectifying current activated upon hyperpolarization of the membrane potential (<-100 mV) with an exponential time course. The reversal potential of the inward conductance under different ionic conditions was close to the K+ equilibrium potential.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Botany, Leiden University, Nonnensteeg 3, 2311 VJ Leiden, The Netherlands (B.V.D., K.R.L.).
authors.forename: B.
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Van Duijn
authors.forename: D. L.
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Ypey
authors.forename: K. R.
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Libbenga