Voltage-Dependent Calcium Channels in Plant Vacuoles

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Abstract
Free calcium (Ca2+) in the cytoplasm of plant cells is important for the regulation of many cellular processes and the transduction of stimuli. Control of cytoplasmic Ca2+ involves the activity of pumps, carriers, and possibly ion channels. The patch-clamp technique was used to study Ca2+ 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 Ca2+ by sequestering Ca2+ inside the vacuole.