The control of exocytosis in plant cells

Abstract

Exocytosis is a key event in plant cells, linking the internal and external environments. Cell-wall precursors, membrane material, and soluble and membrane-associated proteins are supplied by exocytosis and allow cells to grow and differentiate. In this review, we describe exocytotic systems in plants and summarize information on how exocytosis is controlled and itself controls cell development. Mechanisms regulating exocytosis in other organisms are outlined and some critical directions for future research on plant exocytosis are suggested. Contents Summary 307 I. Introduction 307 II. Exocytotic systems 309 III. The mechanism of exocytosis 322 IV. Conclusions and future research 329 Acknowledgements 331 References 331.

Keywords: Exocytosis and vesicle fusion; G proteins; annexins; calcium; cell growth and differentiation.