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The anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) represents a large multisubunit E3-ubiquitin ligase complex that controls the unidirectional progression through the cell cycle by the ubiquitination of specific target proteins, marking them for proteasomal destruction. Although the APC/C's role is largely conserved among eukaryotes, its subunit composition and target spectrum appear to be species specific. In this review, we focus on the plant APC/C complex, whose activity correlates with different developmental processes, including polyploidization and gametogenesis. After an introduction into proteolytic control by ubiquitination, we discuss the composition of the plant APC/C and the essential nature of its core subunits for plant development. Subsequently, we describe the APC/C activator subunits and interactors, most being plant specific. Finally, we provide a comprehensive list of confirmed and suspected plant APC/C target proteins. Identification of growth-related targets might offer opportunities to increase crop yield and resilience of plants to climate change by manipulating APC/C activity.

Growth and development of plants are driven by the continuous production of new cells at the meristems; hence, it is of pivotal importance for plants to precisely regulate the timing and extent of cell proliferation. Although over the past decades the molecular components underlying cell cycle progression have been the subject of intensive research, knowledge remains scarce on how the various elements connect with developmental pathways. Recently, advances have been made that link cell cycle entry with nutrient availability, cell division maintenance with stem cell organization, and cell cycle exit with reactive oxygen species and developmental programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]