Functions of γ-aminobutyric acid in higher plant responses to stress

γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA) is a significant component of the free amino acid pool in most organisms. In animals, GABA functions as the predominant inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Environment stress increase GABA accumulation in higher plants. This article introduces mechanisms of GABA accumulation and its physiological roles in plant responses to stress.