Calcium messenger system in plants

Abstract

A revolution is occurring in our thinking about growth and development as we realize the importance of calcium ions in mediating many different processes in plants. During the last several years, there has been a dramatic unfolding of information suggesting that calcium is not simply a macronutrient. It has been found to have major metabolic and developmental control in plants. It is becoming increasingly evident that calcium ions are important intracellular messengers in plants. Recent reports indicate that calcium is involved in coupling primary stimuli such as hormones, light, and gravity to response. Since the discovery of calmo‐dulin, it has become clear that the calcium messages are often relayed by this ubiquitous calcium‐binding protein. Polarity, secretion, growth, cell division, ripening and senescence, and even gene expression are influenced by calcium and calmodulin. This review focuses on recent developments involving calcium and calmodulin as they relate to plant growth and development.