Structure, function, and mechanism of action of Calmodulin

Abstract

The structure, function, and mechanism of action of plant calmodulins have been the subject of intense study for plant scientists during the past several years. While precedents in animal biochemistry and physiology have suggested logical starting points for studies of how calmodulin is involved in higher plant and algal cell function, recent biochemical studies have demonstrated unique structural characteristics for this highly conserved protein. Enzym‐ological analyses have demonstrated novel functional properties and provided limited insight into the molecular mechanisms of calmodulin action. This review will summarize much of the early work, but will concern itself mainly with the methods and approaches that are used to study plant and animal calmodulins as well as models for how calmodulin may be involved in plant cell function.