ROS, an Important Plant Growth Regulator in Root Growth and Development: Functional Genes and Mechanism

Abstract

Roots are fundamental to the growth, development, and survival of plants. Beyond anchoring the plant, roots absorb water and nutrients, supporting the plant’s ability to grow and function normally. Root systems, originating from the apical meristem, exhibit significant diversity depending on the plant species. ROS are byproducts of aerobic metabolism, present in both above- and below-ground plant tissues. While ROS were once considered merely harmful byproducts of oxygen metabolism, they are now recognized as critical signaling molecules that regulate plant growth and development. Under stress conditions, plants produce elevated levels of ROS, which can inhibit growth. However, moderate ROS levels act as signals that integrate various regulatory pathways, contributing to normal plant development. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive and systematic research on how ROS precisely regulate root growth and development. This review provides an overview of ROS production pathways and their regulatory mechanisms in plants, with a particular focus on their influence on root development.