Chloroplasts extend stromules independently and in response to internal redox signals.

ABSTRACT: A fundamental mystery of plant cell biology is the occurrence of "stromules," stroma-filled tubular extensions from plastids (such as chloroplasts) that are universally observed in plants but whose functions are, in effect, completely unknown. One prevalent hypothesis is that stromules exchange signals or metabolites between plastids and other subcellular compartments, and that stromules are induced during stress. Until now, no signaling mechanisms originating within the plastid have been identified that regulate stromule activity, a critical missing link in this hypothesis. Using confocal and superresolution 3D microscopy, we have shown that stromules form in response to light-sensitive redox signals within the chloroplast. Stromule frequency increased during the day or after treatment wi

SUBMITTER: Brunkard JO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4538653 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature