Connecting surface-level observations to molecular-level data uncovers plant stress coping mechanism

Unlike humans, plants cannot make simple lifestyle adjustments to adapt to changing environments. When exposed to conditions like extreme heat or water scarcity, instead of putting on sweaters or turning on air conditioners, plants need to sense and respond to these environmental changes at the molecular level. Entering a sort of "survival mode," plants shift their physiological and metabolic priorities, sacrificing things like growth and reproduction for survival.