Role of calcium ions in photosignaling processes in a plant cell

Ca²⁺ is an important structural and functional component of plant cells. During the last decade, Ca²⁺ attracted attention as a secondary messenger in signaling processes in plants to mediate the action of abiotic and biotic signals including light. The structural basis for Ca²⁺ signaling in plants, the generation of Ca²⁺ signatures and the nature of Ca²⁺ sensors are considered in relation to the functioning of plant photo-receptors phytochromes, cryptochromes, and phototropins. Special attention is focused upon genetic factors controlling the expression of light-inducible genes being closely related to above photoreceptors. The analysis of the achievements in the field of plant photoreceptor signal transduction and suggestions of some prospects for the future research were done.