Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells respond potentially harmful stimulations like heat stress by inducing synthesis of stress proteins so called heat shock proteins (Hsps) besides other metabolites. Heat stress response is a reaction when tissues and cells of an organism were exposed to sudden heat stress and is characterized by temporary expression of Hsps. Primary protein structures of Hsps and heat shock response are highly conserved in every organism which has been sought. Therefore it has been considered that Hsps might be closely involved in protection of organisms against heat stress and keeping homeostasis. Most of Hsps are known as molecular chaperons whose biological role is to maintain and shield the unfolded state of newly synthesized proteins thus preventing them from misfolding or aggregating. Here it was summarized the significance of Hsps and heat shock response in plants.
Key Words: Heat stress, Heat shock proteins, Plants, Thermal tolerance.
Primary Language | English |
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Journal Section | Biology |
Authors | |
Publication Date | March 22, 2010 |
Published in Issue | Year 2009 Volume: 22 Issue: 2 |