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Plant Electrophysiology pp 225–243Cite as

Patch Clamp Techniques for Plant Cells

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Abstract

The study of electrophysiological processes at the molecular level, with exquisite sensitivity and full control over the experimental conditions, is possible with the patch clamp technique. A concise overview is given of the different configurations that are used with the technique. The patch clamp technique critically depends on the formation of a tight, gigaOhm, seal between the glass tip of the measuring electrode and the cell membrane, which for plant cells means that the cell wall has to be removed. Methods that have been developed specifically to gain access to the membrane, such as laser microsurgery and protoplast release, are discussed. This chapter also provides a review of the factors that influence the interaction between the glass tip of the electrode and cell membrane.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Plant Ecophysiology, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands

    J. Theo M. Elzenga

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  1. J. Theo M. Elzenga
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Correspondence to J. Theo M. Elzenga .

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  1. , Department of Chemistry, Oakwood University, Adventist Blvd. 7000, Huntsville, 35896, Alabama, USA

    Alexander G. Volkov

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Elzenga, J.T.M. (2012). Patch Clamp Techniques for Plant Cells. In: Volkov, A. (eds) Plant Electrophysiology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-29119-7_10

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