V-ATPase in Plants: An Overview V-ATPase: Structure and Role in Plants

The vacuolar type proton adenosine triphosphatase (V-ATPase) is associated with the endomembrane system of eukaryotes, including vacuoles, lysosomes, ER, endosomes, Golgi apparatus, chromaffin granules, coated vesicles etc. The enzyme is integrated part of the cellular network and plays indispensable role for the normal growth of a plant by maintaining secondary transport and solute homeostasis. The multi subunit enzyme, V-ATPase share a common lollipop shaped structure composed of a ball like head (V₁), a membrane-intrinsic part (V_O) and connecting stalks similar to ATP-producing F-ATP synthases. In addition to the house-keeping functions, V-ATPases also respond to environmental stress. Under stress conditions e.g. salinity, metal, cold, etc. the survival of the plant cells and adaptation to changing environmental conditions depend strongly on V-ATPase. Both the activity and molecular fine structure of the enzyme respond to environmental factors. The present review summarises various new aspects of the structure and function of V-ATPase in plants.