ISHS Acta Horticulturae 326: International Symposium on Pre- and Postharvest Physiology of Pome-fruit
BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR ASPECTS OF CALCIUM ACTION |
| Author: | B.W. Poovaiah |
| Abstract:
Accumulating evidence indicates that calcium acts as a messenger in signal transduction in plants. Many of the signal-induced responses are mediated by Ca2+. Increased Ca2+ in the cytoplasm can affect diverse physiological processes through the action of calmodulin, a ubiquitous Ca2+-binding protein. Much of this diversity in response in plants is believed to be achieved by the modulation of the activity of the Ca2+ and/or Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinases. In addition to the role of Ca2+ as a cellular messenger, it has long been known to confer rigidity to cell walls. Of special interest is the effect of Ca2+ on various parameters of senescence in plant organs such as fruits. The apple fruit is especially sensitive to low tissue Ca2+ content and is susceptible to a number of physiological disorders. Calcium treatments have been shown to reduce the occurrence of several physiological disorders including senescent breakdown. It is evident that the functions of Ca2+ in plants, as in animals, are diverse, multifaceted and complex. The purpose of this review is to delineate the ubiquitous and pivotal role of Ca2+ in plant growth and development. Emphasis will be given to Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphorylation and its role in signal transduction. | |
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