Auxin transport: a field in flux

Abstract

Polar auxin transport is crucial for plant growth and development. Auxin moves between plant cells through a combination of membrane diffusion and carrier-mediated transport. Several classes of membrane proteins that facilitate auxin uptake and efflux have recently been identified in Arabidopsis. The relative contribution to auxin transport made by the different facilitators and by membrane diffusion is unclear. In this Opinion article, we assess the significance of auxin diffusion versus carrier-mediated transport and then discuss the physiological importance of the transport facilitators within the context of the multiple trans-cellular auxin fluxes recently described in the Arabidopsis root apex.