In the electrifying world of plant signaling, a paradigm shift is underway as researchers dig into the intricate mechanisms of action potentials (APs) and slow wave potentials (SWPs). Departing from conventional neurophysiological dogma in the animal kingdom, this review by Barbosa-Caro and Wudick illuminates the nuanced dance of electric signals within plants. Unlike their animal counterparts, plant APs defy easy classification, challenging our understanding of electrical signal transmission. SWPs, with their depolarizing deviations, further complicate the picture, necessitating a holistic approach to unravel their mysteries. From membrane depolarization to calcium fluxes, a symphony of molecular players orchestrates these signals, begging for a tailored conceptual framework. While similarities to neuronal transmission tantalize, the fluctuating dynamics of plant APs hint at a fundamentally different playbook. Yet, amidst the complexity, a beacon of hope emerges: the integration of quantitative modelling and cutting-edge tools promises to illuminate the dark corners of plant electrophysiology. As we embark on this electrifying journey, the field brims with new questions, beckoning us to explore the frontiers of botanical excitement with open minds and nimble tools. (Summary by Nibedita Priyadarshini) Curr. Opin. Plant Biol. 10.1016/j.pbi.2024.102528.
Source: plantae.org