Jasmonic Acid in Plants

Scientists in the US have discovered a network through which plants communicate in times of pest attack. Jasmonic acid was found to be an important component in this mechanism.

About the Study

The scientists studied how the jasmonic acid acted at different levels in a model plant species. They used computational approach to identify the genes involved in response mechanism (to jasmonic acid) and cellular cross-communication with other hormone pathways. The genes MYC2 and MYC3 were identified to be important in regulating the activity of thousand other genes in this regard.

Jasmonic Acid

Jasmonic acid is an organic compound that acts as a plant hormone. It is notably found in jasmine plants. Some of the main functions of the jasmonic acid are regulation of plant responses to biotic stresses (like pests) and abiotic stresses, regulation of the plant’s growth and development, etc.

Arabidopsis thaliana

The model plant species used for the study was Arabidopsis thaliana. It is a flowering plant that belongs to the mustard family. The genome of this small plant has been well characterised. It has a relatively short life cycle (annual) and is considered a weed.