Plant neurobiology: an integrated view of plant signaling

Trends Plant Sci. 2006 Aug;11(8):413-9. doi: 10.1016/j.tplants.2006.06.009. Epub 2006 Jul 13.

Abstract

Plant neurobiology is a newly focused field of plant biology research that aims to understand how plants process the information they obtain from their environment to develop, prosper and reproduce optimally. The behavior plants exhibit is coordinated across the whole organism by some form of integrated signaling, communication and response system. This system includes long-distance electrical signals, vesicle-mediated transport of auxin in specialized vascular tissues, and production of chemicals known to be neuronal in animals. Here we review how plant neurobiology is being directed toward discovering the mechanisms of signaling in whole plants, as well as among plants and their neighbors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Transport
  • Electrophysiology
  • Humans
  • Indoleacetic Acids / metabolism
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / physiology
  • Plant Physiological Phenomena*
  • Receptors, Neurotransmitter / physiology
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • Indoleacetic Acids
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Receptors, Neurotransmitter