Role of Cytochrome P450 Monooxygenase in Plants Temperature Tolerance

Extreme temperatures, whether low or high, represent significant climatic factors that exert considerable stress on the growth and developments of many plants. To ensure survival and productivity, plants engage their naturally endowed innate mechanism to counter such stress. Interestingly, cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes have been established as the major catalytic agents regulating the defense mechanism pathway of plants against temperature induced stress. In this chapter, the mechanisms of defense in plant against temperature stress, diversity, and role of CYP450s in regulating various processes in defense mechanism pathways against temperature stress in tree crops, root and tuber crops, cereals, legumes, and vegetable crops are discussed. The significant roles played by CYP450s in plants suggest their beneficial potentials could be harnessed using biotechnological tools to develop temperature stress-tolerant crops.