Calcium channels are involved in calcium oxalate crystal formation in specialized cells of Pistia stratiotes L.

Background And Aims: Pistia stratiotes produces large amounts of calcium (Ca) oxalate crystals in specialized cells called crystal idioblasts. The potential involvement of Ca(2+) channels in Ca oxalate crystal formation by crystal idioblasts was investigated.

Methods: Anatomical, ultrastructural and physiological analyses were used on plants, fresh or fixed tissues, or protoplasts.