Aquaporins are membrane proteins that form microscopic channels allowing water to move rapidly into and out of cells. Some aquaporins also transport small neutral molecules, such as glycerol, hydrogen peroxide, carbon dioxide, or ammonia, depending on the specific protein.
In plants, aquaporins regulate water movement through roots, stems, leaves, and developing tissues. They help control water uptake from the soil, movement between cells, cell expansion, stomatal function, and the plant’s response to drought, flooding, salinity, and temperature stress. Plants can increase or decrease aquaporin activity within minutes by opening, closing, or relocating these channels in response to changing environmental conditions.
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