2004/04/26 by Ernest Y. Kwok, Maureen R. Hanson · 4 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Environmental Science · Materials Science · #Photosynthetic Processes and Mechanisms #Methane Hydrates and Related Phenomena #Enzyme Structure and Function
paper · doi:10.1111/j.0022-2720.2004.01317.x
openalex publication_date 2004/04/26 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/15
Investigation of plastids via green fluorescent protein (GFP) has led to the rediscovery of tubular extensions of the plastid membrane, termed stromules, for stroma-filled tubules. These unique structures are challenging our understanding of plastid structure and function. Stromules are highly dynamic, branching and elongating across the plant cell. Recent experiments indicate that cytoplasmic microtubules and microfilaments control the shape and motility of stromules. Whether stromule formation involves plastid-specific structural systems, such as the plastid division machinery, remains open to debate. Fluorescence photobleaching experiments have revealed that GFP can traffic between plastids joined by stromules. As a result, interest has grown in whether other macromolecules can also travel through these connections. Although the function of stromules is unknown, several aspects of their biology suggest they play a role in molecular exchange between plastids and other organelles.