Respiration in Guard Cells, Pattern and Possible Role in Stomatal Function

Abstract

This paper reviews the literature on the respiratory properties of guard cells. The mitochondrial abundance, rate of OZ uptake, occurrence and metabolism of glycolytic/tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates and related enzymes indicate the operation of high rates of respiration in guard cells. The process of respiration may supply ATP required for proton efflux, provide an organic acid pool to stabilise potassium ions and be the source of NADH for the plasmalemma redox pump. Thus respiration could be an important part of stomatal function. The marked influence of the factors such as COz, OZ or temperature on stomata might be through their influence on guard cell respiration. Further investigations on the properties of mitochondria and respiratory metabolism in guard cells are warranted to understand the mechanism of stomatal movement. © 1989, Gustav Fischer Verlag, Stuttgart. All rights reserved.