The Role of MicroRNAs in Plant Growth and Development

This study explores the crucial role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in plant growth and development. MicroRNAs, small non-coding RNAs ranging from 19 to 25 nucleotides in length, modulate gene expression through mRNA degradation or inhibition of translation. miRNAs, small non-coding RNAs typically 19–25 nucleotides long, regulate gene expression by mRNA degradation or translation suppression. The biogenesis of miRNAs involves RNA polymerase II transcription and processing using the Dicer-like 1 enzyme. MicroRNAs impact diverse developmental procedures, including plant growth, reproductive improvement, and pressure responses. Key miRNAs like miR156 and miR172 adjust floral organ improvement and flowering time, emphasizing how miRNAs interact with transcription elements, maintain meristems, and signal hormones. It also examines the impact of miRNAs on fruit development, specifically in grapevines, affecting characteristics such as taste, size, and shape. This study examines the characteristics of miRNAs in abiotic and biotic strain responses and how they affect defense mechanisms and stress-effector genes. Moreover, it affords insights into the role of miRNAs in retaining nutrient balance by highlighting their effect on transporters that cope with nutrients and adjust to specific conditions resulting from nutrient deficiencies. The study delineates the specificity of miRNAs in plant biology, their crucial role in improved flora, and increased stress tolerance in plants.