| Plant growth and development involves an intricate network of processing and is influenced by several factors. A variety of growth regulators also known as plant hormones play an essential role in stimulation of defensive pathways. In particular, an induced defensive pathway involving jasmonic acid influences the expression of plant resistance to pathogens. Jasmonic acid is a fatty acid-derived signaling molecule that regulates a broad range of plant defense mechanisms and also performs a critical role in the plants life cycle. In this study using microarray analysis we investigated gene expression stimulated by exogenous jasmonic application on tomato plants. Investigation of gene regulation confirms that jasmonic acid induces plant defense responses analogous to natural wounding. Systemic increases were observed in defense related genes, in particular proteinase inhibitors and stress related genes. Gene transcripts for many proteins involved in photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism appeared significantly down-regulated. Ultimately, it can be concluded that jasmonic acid causes decreased suitability of foliage for growth and development. Our results confirm the essence of comprehending the biochemical nature, and specificity of signaling systems that regulate gene expression of inducible responses. These results have the potential to ultimately optimize the utilization of these responses in crop protection. |
