Potassium (K+) transporters in plants: Regulation and functional role in K+ uptake and homeostasis

Abstract

Potassium (K+) is an essential macronutrient for plants and plays an important role in various cellular processes in plants. K+ transporters and channels are responsible for K+ uptake, translocation, as well as maintaining its homeostasis in plants. Other than transportation, these K+ transporters and channels are involved in other physiological processes. Several studies have shown differential expression for K+ transporter genes under abiotic stresses, such as salinity and drought. Plants can sense K+ deficiency through different mechanisms. K+ transporters and channels activity have been regulated by transcriptional as well as post–transcriptional modifications. This chapter discusses various K+ transporters and channels, their function, regulation at different levels, and their role in biotic and abiotic stress responses in plants.