Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
10:29
Measuring Gene Expression in Bombarded Barley Aleurone Layers with Increased Throughput
Published on: March 30, 2018
Nitric oxide and ABA in the control of plant function
J T Hancock1, S J Neill, I D Wilson
1Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK. john.hancock@uwe.ac.uk
Plant Science : an International Journal of Experimental Plant Biology
|September 7, 2011
Summary
Abscisic acid (ABA) and nitric oxide (NO) are key plant signaling molecules. Research suggests nitric oxide often acts downstream of abscisic acid, influencing plant responses.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Abscisic acid (ABA) and nitric oxide (NO) are crucial signaling molecules in plants.
- ABA regulates stomatal movement, seed dormancy, germination, and development.
- NO also influences various plant physiological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the interplay between ABA and NO signaling pathways in plants.
- To discuss instances where ABA and NO function within the same transduction pathways.
- To highlight the potential downstream role of NO in ABA responses.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on ABA and NO signaling.
- Analysis of signal transduction components influenced by ABA and NO.
- Investigation of protein phosphorylation and gene expression regulation.
Main Results:
- Both ABA and NO activate signal transduction components, affecting protein kinases/phosphatases.
- ABA and NO can regulate gene expression.
- Evidence suggests NO may act downstream of ABA, sometimes mediated by reactive oxygen species like hydrogen peroxide.
Conclusions:
- ABA and NO are integral to plant signaling networks.
- The relationship between ABA and NO is complex, with NO potentially acting downstream in some pathways.
- Not all ABA-mediated responses necessitate NO involvement.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway
Nitric oxide (NO), an inorganic gas, acts as a potent second messenger in most animal and plant tissues. NO diffuses out of the cells that produce it and enters the neighboring cells to generate a downstream response. NO synthase (NOS) catalyzes NO production by the deamination of the amino acid arginine. There are three isoforms of NOS. Endothelial cells have endothelial NOS (eNOS), nerve and muscle cells have neuronal NOS (nNOS), and macrophages produce inducible NOS (iNOS) upon exposure to...
02:35Key Elements for Plant Nutrition
Like all living organisms, plants require organic and inorganic nutrients to survive, reproduce, grow and maintain homeostasis. To identify nutrients that are essential for plant functioning, researchers have leveraged a technique called hydroponics. In hydroponic culture systems, plants are grown—without soil—in water-based solutions containing nutrients. At least 17 nutrients have been identified as essential elements required by plants. Plants acquire these elements from the atmosphere, the...
02:12Short-distance Transport of Resources
Short-distance transport refers to transport that occurs over a distance of just 2-3 cells, crossing the plasma membrane in the process. Small uncharged molecules, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water, can diffuse across the plasma membrane on their own. In contrast, ions and larger molecules require the assistance of transport proteins due to their charge or size. Transport across membranes also occurs within individual cells, playing a variety of essential roles for the plant as a whole.
01:25Cell Signaling in Plants
Plant cells communicate to coordinate their cycle of growth, flowering and fruiting, and activities in roots, shoots, and leaves in response to the changing environmental conditions. Plant signaling is distinct from animal signaling. Plants primarily utilize enzyme-linked receptors, whereas the largest class of cell-surface receptors in animals are G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Unlike animals, receptor tyrosine kinases are rare in plants. Instead, plants have a diverse class of...
02:04Regulation of Transpiration by Stomata
During photosynthesis, plants acquire the necessary carbon dioxide and release the produced oxygen back into the atmosphere. Openings in the epidermis of plant leaves is the site of this exchange of gasses. A single opening is called a stoma—derived from the Greek word for “mouth.” Stomata open and close in response to a variety of environmental cues.
01:56Plant Hormones
Plant hormones—or phytohormones—are chemical molecules that modulate one or more physiological processes of a plant. In animals, hormones are often produced in specific glands and circulated via the circulatory system. However, plants lack hormone-producing glands.