title: Voltage-dependent calcium channels in plant vacuoles.
abstract: Free calcium (Ca(2+)) in the cytoplasm of plant cells is important for the regulation of many cellular processes and the transduction of stimuli. Control of cytoplasmic Ca(2+) involves the activity of pumps, carriers, and possibly ion channels. The patch-clamp technique was used to study Ca(2+) channels in the vacuole of sugar beet cells. Vacuolar currents showed inward rectification at negative potentials, with a single-channel conductance of 40 picosiemens and an open probability dependent on potential. Channels were inhibited by verapamil and lanthanum. These channels could participate in the regulation of cytoplasmic Ca(2+) by sequestering Ca(2+) inside the vacuole.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Pantoja
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gelli
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Blumwald