Nitric oxide involvement in incompatible plant-pathogen interactions

Abstract

Most plants resist potential parasite attack using a variety of biochemical responses that often lead to a localized cell death termed the hypersensitive response, and include production of antimicrobial compounds, lignin formation, oxidative and nitrosative burst, and increased expression of genes related to pathogenesis. In this framework, nitric oxide (NO) functions together with reactive oxygen species in triggering hypersensitive cell death, and works independently of such intermediates in the induction of defense-related genes. In this chapter, we will examine the synthesis of NO and its signaling functions in the hypersensitive response and in the establishment of systemic acquired resistance.