Colloquium with Rob Roelfsema

On 09 June 2026, Rob Roelfsema will present insights into their research as part of the Halle Plant Science Colloquium (HPSC).

Speaker: Rob Roelfsema (University of Würzburg, Germany)
Title:

Coordination of ion fluxes during opening and closure of stomatal pores

Date: Tuesday, 09 June 2026
Time: 12:30 pm
Location: Large Biochemistry Lecture Hall, Kurt-Mothes-Straße 3 (Weinberg Campus), 06120 Halle (Saale)

Abstract

Stomatal pores enable plants to regulate loss of water through transpiration and are found in virtually all land plants. In seed plants, opening and closure stomata is driven by guard cells, through the uptake and loss of potassium (K⁺) and inorganic anions. These ions are taken up via the plasma membrane and mostly stored in the vacuole, which urges for a coordination of ion transport between both membrane systems. We have used intracellular micro electrodes, extracellular ion-selective electrodes, fluorescent ion indicators and light-gated channels to study ion transport processes in guard cells. Based on these studies we conclude that the anion channels play a key role in the regulation of ion fluxes across the plasma membrane. Less is known about the control mechanisms of ion uptake and release across the vacuolar membrane. Emphasis will be given to the coordination of events at the plasma- and vacuolar membranes in response to the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) and cytosolic Ca²⁺ signals.

Find out more information about the HPSC talks here.