A comprehensive review on plant ascorbic acid
Chong Wang, Pedro García‐Caparrós, Zhidong Li, Fei Chen
Abstract
This review delves into the multifaceted roles of ascorbic acid (AsA) in plants and the underlying regulatory mechanisms. The critical roles of AsA in plant physiology are discussed, including its involvement in plant hormone synthesis, the regulation of plant growth and development, and its pivotal role in the response to environmental stress. The review also evaluates various methods for detecting ascorbic acid (AsA), providing an analysis of their respective advantages and disadvantages. The uneven distribution of AsA across various tissues and organs is summarized. This uneven distribution is closely related to the multifunctionality of AsA, its diverse metabolic pathways, and the specific physiological demands of different plant parts. Additionally, this review explores the evolutionary origins of AsA in plants and the development of its complex biosynthetic pathways. It offers a comprehensive description of the Smirnoff-Wheeler pathway, as well as other alternative biosynthetic pathways, demonstrating the metabolic flexibility of plants. This review concludes by examining strategies for enhancing AsA content and improving stress resistance in crops through genetic engineering and multi-omics approaches, underscoring their potential for agricultural applications.