Plant sensing and signaling in response to K+-deficiency

Mol Plant. 2010 Mar;3(2):280-7. doi: 10.1093/mp/ssq006.

Abstract

Potassium (K(+)) is one of the essential macronutrients for plant growth and development. However, K(+) content in soils is usually limited so that the crop yields are restricted. Plants may adapt to K(+)-deficient environment by adjusting their physiological and morphological status, indicating that plants may have evolved their sensing and signaling mechanisms in response to K(+)-deficiency. This short review particularly discusses some components as possible sensors or signal transducers involved in plant sensing and signaling in response to K(+)-deficiency, such as K(+) channels and transporters, H(+)-ATPase, some cytoplasmic enzymes, etc. Possible involvement of Ca²(+) and ROS signals in plant responses to K(+)-deficiency is also discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / physiology
  • Models, Biological
  • Plants / metabolism*
  • Potassium / metabolism*
  • Potassium Channels / genetics
  • Potassium Channels / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / physiology

Substances

  • Potassium Channels
  • Potassium