A stretch-activated anion channel in tobacco protoplasts

Abstract

Stretch-activated ion channels have been described in animal cells, where they might serve as mechanoreceptors, baroreceptors or osmoreceptors, as well as in yeast and bacteria, where osmoregulatory functions have been suggested. Here we report a large conductance, stretch-activated, anion-selective channel in protoplasts of a higher plant, tobacco, and discuss its possible role in osmoregulation.