K+ channel activity in plants: Genes, regulations and functions

Potassium (K+) is the most abundant cation in the cytosol, and plant growth requires that large amounts of K+ are transported from the soil to the growing organs. K+ uptake and fluxes within the plant are mediated by several families of transporters and channels. Here, we describe the different families of K+-selective channels that have been identified in plants, the so-called Shaker, TPK and Kir-like channels, and what is known so far on their regulations and physiological functions in the plant.