Communication within plant cells

Abstract

This chapter is concerned with the intracellular signaling events that take place in individual plant cells. It summarizes the known intracellular signaling events, cascades, molecular and cellular participants, receptors, transducers, and effectors; as well as their connectivity, interplay, and crosstalk. First, we review the signaling anatomy and physiology of a plant cell, describing the molecular and cellular components that are involved. Then, we provide an overview of the events taking place from perception to attenuation in a variety of contexts. We highlight some intracellular signaling components that are unique to plants. Finally, we use case studies of several types of plant cells and of several types of stimuli that trigger signaling events and result in cellular responses. The analysis of signaling pathways and networks has become an essential tool for understanding cellular functions. The presence of numerous components, their degree of interconnectivity, and their dynamic spatiotemporal redistribution all contribute to the complexity of signaling pathways. We suggest that unveiling the cellular and molecular details of the myriad of intracellular signaling processes is essential for a complete understanding of whole-plant physiology.