Chapter 1 - An overview of receptor-like kinases in plants

Abstract

Plants use a variety of systems to respond and adapt to the constantly changing environmental variables to survive and grow. The understanding of plant reaction to diverse stresses will aid in the improvement of plant tolerance to abiotic stress through genetic engineering, hence promoting the advent of new agriculture. In plants, receptor-like kinases (RLKs) are the largest gene family by far, and they play key roles in the regulation of plant developmental processes as well as signaling networks and stress response. The current chapter provides a basic overview of the different class of RLKs and their role in abiotic stresses, such as drought, salt, cold, and toxic metals/metalloids. Further details of each class and aspects have been discussed in other chapters of the book.