H2S action in plant life cycle

Abstract

The healthy growth of plants is inseparable from the joint action of many metabolic regulators, particularly the signaling molecules. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which was considered toxic previously, has now been regarded as a burgeoning endogenous gaseous transmitter. H2S is involved in the whole life cycle of plants orderly, regulating essential plant processes such as seed germination, root growth, flowering, anti-aging of post-ripening by affecting corresponding gene expression and subsequent enzyme activities, as well as crosstalk with plant hormones and other signaling molecules. The research on H2S physiology entering an exponential exploration era, with significant progress has been made on many fronts of H2S function. However, the research on its molecular mechanism is still fragmented. In this review, we collect recent up-dates from physiological function to molecular biological mechanism of biological processes for H2S participating throughout plants’ life cycle, and present a brief outlook for future research.