The nitric oxide challenges during metal stress

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO) is a small gaseous molecule regarded as an important signaling compound. It induces several developmental and physiological responses in plants, ranging from germination and senescence to photosynthesis and redox homeostasis. It can interact with phytohormones, like abscisic acid and auxins, inhibit programmed cell death (PCD), and limit the detrimental effects of stress, including the mitigation of metal toxicity during heavy metal exposure. In this chapter, the current knowledge of the role of nitric oxide in plant response to metal stress is provided, with a special focus on cadmium stress. The involvement of NO in the redox homeostasis of plants, the crosstalk with phytohormones, and the posttranslational modifications produced by this molecule are discussed.