Magnesium (Mg^2+) is essential for many plant processes. It is particularly important for photosynthesis, where it is the central element of the chlorophyll molecules. Magnesium is also a constituent of many enzyme...Magnesium (Mg^2+) is essential for many plant processes. It is particularly important for photosynthesis, where it is the central element of the chlorophyll molecules. Magnesium is also a constituent of many enzymes and serves as an activator of others, including DNA polymerases, protein kinases, and phosphatases. Intracellular Mg^2+ concentration is precisely controlled by Mg^2+ uptake, translocation across intracellular membranes and efflux [ 1 ]. Surprisingly, however, the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes in higher plants are still largely unknown. Recently, two reports [2, 3] disclosed functions of two Mg^2+ transporters in pollen development. Pollen grains are the male gametes in flowering plants.展开更多
文摘Magnesium (Mg^2+) is essential for many plant processes. It is particularly important for photosynthesis, where it is the central element of the chlorophyll molecules. Magnesium is also a constituent of many enzymes and serves as an activator of others, including DNA polymerases, protein kinases, and phosphatases. Intracellular Mg^2+ concentration is precisely controlled by Mg^2+ uptake, translocation across intracellular membranes and efflux [ 1 ]. Surprisingly, however, the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes in higher plants are still largely unknown. Recently, two reports [2, 3] disclosed functions of two Mg^2+ transporters in pollen development. Pollen grains are the male gametes in flowering plants.