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Application of exogenous melatonin in vitro and in planta: a review of its effects and mechanisms of action

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Abstract

Melatonin is a natural indolamine that regulates many physiological functions in plants. The most prominent role of melatonin in plants has been its ability to work as an anti-stressor agent. Exogenous melatonin can prevent cell death and promote cell proliferation through its antioxidant properties, enhancement of polyamine biosynthesis, and the ability to shift cell metabolism in case of stressors like sugar starvation. Melatonin scavenges reactive oxygen species and thus preventing damage to cell membranes and other organelles. Its application in different plant culture systems reveals its important physiological and biochemical roles during the growth and development of these cultures. It has been observed that the exogenous melatonin protects callus culture, reduces cold-induced apoptosis in cell suspension, and stimulates adventitious and lateral roots formation. This review presents the physiological and biochemical effects of exogenous melatonin on in vitro culture systems, including its impact on biomass accumulation, growth, and development of plants.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the role of the Department of Biotechnology, University of Malakand, for providing a conducive environment to draft this review article as a part of the BS thesis.

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The authors declare that no funds, grants, or other financial support were received during the preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biotechnology, University of Malakand, Chakdara Dir Lower, 18800, Pakistan

    Reema Iqbal & Tariq Khan

  2. Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan

    Reema Iqbal

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  1. Reema Iqbal
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  2. Tariq Khan
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All authors contributed to the study's conception and design. RI performed data collection and initial writing and prepared the figures. TK revised the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Tariq Khan.

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Iqbal, R., Khan, T. Application of exogenous melatonin in vitro and in planta: a review of its effects and mechanisms of action. Biotechnol Lett 44, 933–950 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10529-022-03270-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10529-022-03270-x

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