Abstract
Carbon monoxide (CO), a gaseous molecule, has emerged as a signaling molecule in plants, due to its ability to trigger a series of physiological reactions. This article provides a brief update on the synthesis of CO, its physiological functions in plant growth and development, as well as its roles in abiotic stress tolerance such as drought, salt, ultraviolet radiation, and heavy metal stress. CO has positive effects on seed germination, root development, and stomatal closure. Also, CO can enhance plant abiotic stress resistance commonly through the enhancement of antioxidant defense system. Moreover, CO shows cross talk with other signaling molecules including NO, phytohormones (IAA, ABA, and GA) and other gas signaling molecules (H2S, H2, CH4).
Highlights
Carbon monoxide (CO), which has long been widely considered as a poisonous gas (“the silent killer”) since 17th century, is a low molecular weight diatomic gas that occurs ubiquitously in nature
In view of the evidence described above, we provide a brief update here on CO synthesis, physiological function in plant growth and development and its response to abiotic stresses
Low concentrations of CO alleviated the inhibition of seed germination and the damage of seedling leaves produced by salt stress through enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities including superoxide dismutase (SOD), CAT, ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and guaiacol peroxidase (GPOX) in wheat (Huang et al, 2006; Xu S. et al, 2006; Table 2)
Summary
Carbon monoxide (CO), a gaseous molecule, has emerged as a signaling molecule in plants, due to its ability to trigger a series of physiological reactions. This article provides a brief update on the synthesis of CO, its physiological functions in plant growth and development, as well as its roles in abiotic stress tolerance such as drought, salt, ultraviolet radiation, and heavy metal stress. CO has positive effects on seed germination, root development, and stomatal closure. CO can enhance plant abiotic stress resistance commonly through the enhancement of antioxidant defense system. CO shows cross talk with other signaling molecules including NO, phytohormones (IAA, ABA, and GA) and other gas signaling molecules (H2S, H2, CH4). Reviewed by: John Hancock, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK Gaurav Zinta, Shanghai Center for Plant Stress Biology, China
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