Nitric Oxide-Mediated Thermomemory: A New Perspective on Plant Heat Stress Resilience

Sheeba Naaz Anjali Pande ^* Ashverya Laxmi ^*

• National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), New Delhi, India

In the intricate world of plant responses to environmental stress, the concept of thermomemory has emerged as a fascinating and complex phenomenon. Plants, as sessile organisms, continually face the challenge of adapting to fluctuating climates, and the ability to "remember" prior heat stress encounters, a phenomenon known as thermomemory is a testament to their remarkable adaptability. Nitric oxide (NO), a versatile signaling molecule in plant physiology, has been implicated in a myriad of cellular processes crucial for stress adaptation. From its involvement in stomatal regulation to its influence on gene expression and antioxidant defense mechanisms, NO emerges as a central orchestrator in the plant's response to elevated temperatures. Exploration of NO-mediated pathways provides insights into how plants not only cope with immediate heat stress but also retain a memory of these encounters. Unraveling the molecular intricacies of NO's involvement in thermomemory enhances our understanding of the sophisticated strategies employed by plants to navigate a changing climate, offering potential avenues for innovative approaches to enhancing crop resilience and sustainable agriculture.