Plant Lipoxygenases and Their Role in Plant Physiology

Several enzymes play a key role in plant growth and development. Among these, lipoxygenases family of enzymes are important. Lipoxygenases are a ubiquitous family of non-heme iron enzymes widely distributed in plants, initiate hydroperoxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids containing cis, cis-1,4-pentadiene moieties, and produce phytooxylipins. Oxylipins including green leaf volatiles and hormone jasmonic acid play a significant role in physiological processes, seed germination, fruit ripening, and senescence. Detailed studies have shown that LOX and its products accumulate transiently upon developmental or environmental stimuli. LOXs play a key role in defense responses against biotic and abiotic environmental stresses such as fungi, bacteria, virus, nematodes, birds, insects, and rodents. As a result, these enzymes are the natural topics of study when scientists investigate plant response to stresses. In this review, we have concisely focused on the analysis of new information concerning plant LOXs and their role on the physiology of plants.