The Role of Ascorbate in Plant Growth and Development

The participation of redox changes and antioxidants in the control of plant growth and development is important for the normal course of these physiological processes. Ascorbate (AsA) is a multifunctional molecule that is highly necessary for both plants and animals. It performs a variety of functions such as being a major redox buffer and cofactor for enzymes involved in multiple cell processes, including hormone biosynthesis, photosynthesis, and respiration as well as in the regeneration of other antioxidants. In addition to its well-known antioxidant properties, AsA is able to influence normal cell cycle progression and plant growth, and it takes part in signal transduction events. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and other antioxidants are also involved in these processes. This chapter focuses on the involvement of AsA and its interaction with redox regulatory signaling networks during growth and development at cellular, tissue, and organ levels, including its participation in cell cycle and proliferation, seed germination and during embryogenesis and meristem development in root and shoots, as well as during flowering. The book chapter seeks to supply valuable information of the current state of research on this multifaceted molecule in these processes at various organization levels.