In Fight Against Pathogens, Calcium Helps Plants Make Their Own Aspirin

Calcium builds strong bones, good teeth--and healthy plants, according to a new study from Washington State University. Experiments show that calcium, when bound to a protein called calmodulin, prompts plants to make salicylic acid (SA) when threatened by infection or other danger. SA is a close chemical relative of aspirin. In plants, SA acts as a signal molecule that kicks off a series of reactions that help defend against external threats.

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