ABA signaling in stomatal guard cells: lessons from Commelina and Vicia

J Plant Res. 2011 Jul;124(4):477-87. doi: 10.1007/s10265-011-0435-9. Epub 2011 Jun 25.

Abstract

Abscisic acid (ABA) signaling mechanisms have been studied in a broad variety of plant species using complementary analyses, taking advantage of different methodologies suitable for each plant species. Early studies on ABA biosynthesis using Solanum lycopersicum mutants suggested an importance of ABA synthesis in stomatal closure. To understand ABA signaling in guard cells, cellular, biochemical and electrophysiological studies in Vicia faba and Commelina communis have been conducted, providing fundamental knowledge that was further reconfirmed by molecular genetic studies of Arabidopsis. In this article, examples of stomatal studies in several plants and prospects in ABA research are discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abscisic Acid / metabolism*
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Calcium Channels / metabolism
  • Carbon Dioxide / metabolism
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Commelina / genetics
  • Commelina / physiology*
  • Germination
  • Mesophyll Cells / metabolism
  • Plant Stomata / genetics
  • Plant Stomata / physiology*
  • Seeds / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Vicia / genetics
  • Vicia / physiology*

Substances

  • Calcium Channels
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Abscisic Acid
  • Calcium