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Measurement of Cytosolic-Free Ca2+ in Plant Tissue

  • Protocol
Calcium Signaling Protocols

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology™ ((MIMB,volume 312))

Abstract

Several techniques have been used to measure the concentration of cytosolicfree Ca2+ ([Ca2+]cyt) in plants (1,2). These include Ca2+-sensitive microelectrodes, luminescent photoproteins, cameleons, and fluorescent Ca2+ indicators. Ca2+-sensitive microelectrodes (3) can be used only in cells that are able to withstand impalement with two electrodes or a double-barrelled electrode. In addition, microelectrodes suffer from slow response times and difficulties with calibration. These problems are particularly acute in plant cells in which the high turgor often results in partial displacement of the sensor, and the subsequent loss of sensitivity, following impalement. Consequently, the use of Ca2+-sensitive electrodes has been limited to only a few studies in plants and algae (4,5).

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Acknowledgment

The author thanks the European Community, The Royal Society, the Natural Environment Research Council (UK), and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (UK) for funding.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK

    Martin R. McAinsh

  2. Department of Botany, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

    Carl K.-Y. Ng

Authors
  1. Martin R. McAinsh
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  2. Carl K.-Y. Ng
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Management, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK

    David G. Lambert

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© 2006 Humana Press Inc.

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McAinsh, M.R., Ng, C.KY. (2006). Measurement of Cytosolic-Free Ca2+ in Plant Tissue. In: Lambert, D.G. (eds) Calcium Signaling Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology™, vol 312. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-949-4:289

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-949-4:289

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-442-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-949-3

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

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