Plant cell responses to cold are all about timing

Changes in temperature present the cells of plants with particular challenges. Fortunately, many changes in temperature can be anticipated due to the rhythms of day/night and the seasons. To anticipate changes in the environment most organisms have a circadian clock to optimize daily and seasonal timing of gene expression, metabolism, physiology and cell biology. Circadian clocks comprised positive and negative feedback loops which ensure an internal period of approximately 24 hours. We describe the role of the circadian clock in modulating cellular cold signalling networks to prepare the cell for the onset of winter.

► Plant responses to cold stress determine crop productivity and latitudinal range for cultivation.
► Cold responses are regulated by the circadian clock and are highly integrated with circadian signalling pathways.
► Circadian clock components regulate cold responses on a daily and seasonal basis.
► CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED1 and LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL are essential for cold responses.