H2S action in plant life cycle

The healthy growth of plants is inseparable from the joint action of many metabolic regulators, particularly the signaling molecules. Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), which was considered toxic previously, has now been regarded as a burgeoning endogenous gaseous transmitter. H 2 S is involved in the whole life cycle of plants orderly, regulating essential plant processes such as seed germination, root growth, flowering, anti-aging of post-ripening by affecting corresponding gene expression and subsequent enzyme activities, as well as crosstalk with plant hormones and other signaling molecules. The research on H 2 S physiology entering an exponential exploration era, with significant progress has been made on many fronts of H 2 S function. However, the research on its molecular mechanism is still fragmented. In this review, we collect recent up-dates from physiological function to molecular biological mechanism of biological processes for H 2 S participating throughout plants’ life cycle, and present a brief outlook for future research. Graphic abstract