Biochemical and molecular approaches for drought tolerance in plants

Abstract

Drought is a worldwide problem, constraining global crop production and quality sternly and recent global climate change has made this situation graver. It is a complex physio-chemical process in which many biological micro and macromolecules, such as nucleic acids (DNA, RNA, Micro-RNA), proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, hormones, ions, free radicals, and mineral elements are involved. In addition, drought is also related to other biotic and abiotic stresses, e.g. salt stress, cold stress, high temperature stress, UV-B damage, wounding, etc. and it is reported that this phenomenon is connected with almost all aspects of biology. Plants have evolved mechanisms that allow them to adapt and survive under water deficit conditions. Compatible solutes which are induced due to drought stress do not interfere with the normal functioning of the cell. They protect the cell organelles from harsh effects of drought. Here, we have reviewed the effect of drought stress on biochemical attributes in plants. This article also describes the role of genetic engineering in alleviating drought stress in plants.