Sending Out an ROS

Plant Science Local stresses, such as the damage caused by an insect on a leaf, can produce signals that are transmitted systemically to parts of the plant that are not directly injured or stressed. These signals help the plant acclimate to environmental stress or defend against pathogens. Miller et al. show that the gene RbohD , which encodes a plant NADPH oxidase that generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), is critical for rapid systemic signaling in response to wounding by a scalpel, heating to 42°C, cooling in ice water, high-intensity light, or increased salinity. Sci. Signal. 2 , ra45 (2009).