Abscisic acid dynamics, signaling and functions in plants.

Abscisic acid (ABA) is an important phytohormone regulating plant growth, development and stress responses. It has an essential role in multiple physiological processes of plants, such as stomatal closure, cuticular wax accumulation, leaf senescence, bud dormancy, seed germination, osmotic regulation and growth inhibition among many others. ABA controls downstream responses to abiotic and biotic environmental changes through both transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms. During the past twenty years, the ABA biosynthesis and many of its signaling pathways have been well characterized. Here we review the dynamics of ABA metabolic pools and signaling that affects many of its physiological functions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.