Abstract: GABA is a non-protein amino acid，which is common in organisms. Its synthesis and metabolism is via of the GABA-shunt which is a bypass of Krebs cycleand. The physiological function of GABA in higher plant is very extensive. It is involved in a series of important life activities in plants, such as growth and development, carbon/nitrogen nutrient balance, adversity stress response, signal transmission and so on. This paper will focus on the research progress on mechanism and biological function of GABA shunt in plant adversity stress response on physiological function, biochemical and molecular level.

Key words: γ-aminobutyric acid, synthesis and metabolism, adversity stress response, biological function