Cell‐to‐cell movement of plant viruses through plasmodesmata: A review

Abstract

Plasmodesmata are cytoplasmic bridges in plants through which intercellular communication occurs. This involves the transport of ions, photoassimilates, growth hormones as well as protein‐nucleic acid complexes. Although these molecules are rather small (< 1 kDa) plant viruses succeed in using these intercellular highways to transport their genome. These viruses alter the plasmodesmata in some way to allow the transport of such large molecules. This review deals with how plant viruses manage this with the help of movement proteins and the cytoskeleton.

Key words:

• Plasmodesmata
• movement protein
• size exclusion limit
• dextrans
• trichome

Notes

Corresponding author. Tel.: ++32 9 264 5969, Fax: ++32 9 264 6219, e‐mail: [email protected]

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