Plant phospholipase A: advances in molecular biology, biochemistry, and cellular function

Plant phospholipase As (PLAs) are a complex group of enzymes that catalyze the release of free fatty acids from phospholipids. Plant PLAs can be grouped into three families, PLA1, PLA2, and patatin-like PLA, that catalyze the hydrolysis of acyl groups from the sn-1 and/or sn-2 position. Each family is composed of multiple isoforms of phospholipases that differ in structural, catalytic, and physiological characteristics. In this review, recently acquired information on molecular, biochemical, and functional aspects of plant PLAs will be discussed.