Chapter 9: Gasotransmitters in Plants

Over the past decade, the important and irreplaceable functions of gasotransmitters in mammalians have been identified. However, in plants, research has lagged behind, although it is now progressing. Nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide are recognized as gasotransmitters. In addition, methane and ammonia fulfill the criteria of gasotransmitters and should also be considered as candidates. Ethylene, a specific phytohormone, is an outstanding member of the gasotransmitter family owing to its importance, even though this conventional phytohormone has not been studied as a gasotransmitter. In this chapter, the endogenous production and physiological functions of these gasotransmitters and their interactions with other signals in plants are reviewed.