Prof. Dr. Irene Marten

aplProf. Dr. Irene Marten (Head)

Cell-Biology

Biophysics

The growth and vitality of plants are closely connected to water status, nutrient supply, light and CO2 conditions. In leaves the stomatal pores between two guard cells are closed under water deficiency or darkness to minimize water loss while stomata are open under light or insufficient CO2 supply to allow uptake of atmospheric CO₂ for plant growth. Thus, water loss and CO2 supply are balanced via the stomatal aperture which is adjusted by turgor-driven changes in guard cell volume. The latter process is regulated by membrane proteins (pumps, ion channels) mediating the dynamic transport of ions across the plasma and vacuolar membrane. The activity of the involved transporters is controlled in a concerted manner. For comprehension of stomatal movement and their role in plant growth control, gain of knowledge about the nature of the engaged transporters, their function/regulation/coordination and integration in a complex signaling network of guard cells is essential.

Education

Publications