Inter-Individuality and plant hormones

Plant hormones are organic chemicals that are synthesised either in response to environmental challenges or at discrete stages of the continuous process of plant development. They work at concentrations of 10-7 M or lower. They help coordinate growth and cell development either within a tissue or between separate tissues. These hormones, about 10 in number (cf 50 in mammals) exert distinct transcriptional and translational leverage via characterised receptors. Growing plants are very sensitive to many characteristics of their environment; changes commonly initiate cytoplasmic Ca2+ transients similar in speed and length to those in mammals. Usually these transients precede subsequent hormoneinitiated processes [1,2]. Additional control is implemented by intercellular and inter-organ movement of some proteins, mRNA’s, sRNAs, peptides probably secreted in exosomal vesicles [3-5]. Some important minerals such as nitrate and phosphate have their availability assessed through characterised receptors and alter growth and development accordingly [6,7].