ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we will examine the diverse and complex signalling pathways that transmit detection of pathogens into resistance. The earliest events to occur in these pathways are activation of protein kinases, fluxes in calcium and other ions, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), and changes in gene expression (e.g. those encoding pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins) in the plant (Figure 11.1). Many of these mechanisms have parallels in mammalian systems, and a number of comparisons have been made between defence pathways in plants and programmed cell death in mammals.
