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The physiological function of melatonin in plants.
Marino B Arnao1, Josefa Hernández-Ruiz
1Department of Plant Physiology; University of Murcia; Murcia, Spain.
Plant Signaling & Behavior
|June 13, 2009
Summary
Melatonin, a plant hormone, is found in all plant parts and shares biosynthetic pathways with auxin. Further research is needed to understand its role in plant physiology.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine), a known animal hormone, was identified in plants in 1995.
- Its presence has been confirmed across various plant species and tissues (leaves, stems, roots, fruits, seeds).
- Limited research has explored its functions in plants since its discovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of melatonin in plants, including its discovery, distribution, and functions.
- To detail the biosynthetic pathways of melatonin and their potential links to plant hormones like auxin.
- To summarize current knowledge on melatonin's role in plant vegetative and reproductive physiology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on melatonin in plants.
- Analysis of shared biosynthetic pathways between melatonin and indole-3-acetic acid (auxin).
- Compilation of a comprehensive bibliography on plant melatonin.
Main Results:
- Melatonin is ubiquitously present in plants, with shared biosynthetic routes with auxin suggesting coordinated regulation.
- The review details melatonin's involvement in plant vegetative and reproductive physiology.
- Identified key areas for future research into plant melatonin functions.
Conclusions:
- Melatonin is an important compound in plant physiology with diverse roles.
- Understanding melatonin's functions can provide insights into plant growth and development.
- Further investigation into plant melatonin is warranted.
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