Mitogenactivated protein kinase(MAPK) cascades are highly conserved signaling modules found in all eukaryotes, including fungi, plants and animals.A MAPK cascade generally consists of three components:a MAPKKK (MAPKK kinase), a MAPKK (MAPK kinase) and a MAPK, and they play essential roles in abiotic stresses, hormones, cell division and plant growth and development.In this article,we outlined the compositions,biological functions, inactivation of MAPK cascades,which aimed at providing some references basis for the research of MAPK mediated signal transduction mechanisms.