Prohibitin probably acts as a holdase/unfoldase for the stabilization of newly synthesized mitochondrial proteins (By similarity). Necessary for mitochondrial and cell metabolism and biogenesis. Required to regulate the ethylene-mediated signaling; involved in growth maintenance in the presence of ethylene. Functions in nitric oxide (NO)-mediated responses and in hydrogen peroxide-induced NO accumulation. Component of a prohibitin multimeric complex in mitochondrial membranes. Mostly expressed in proliferative tissues, including vasculature, shoot and root apical tissues. Expressed in roots, stems, leaves and flowers (at protein level). Extreme constitutive ethylene response in air associated with a partial loss of ethylene-inducible gene expression and an increased ethylene production. Mitochondrial swelling, decreased meristematic cell production, increased cell division time and reduced cell expansion rates, leading to severe growth retardation. Reduced sensitivity to salt stress and defective in H(2)O(2)-induced nitric oxide (NO) accumulation, light-induced NO in cotyledons, abscisic acid (ABA)-induced NO accumulation and stomatal closure, and in auxin-induced lateral root formation. Belongs to the prohibitin family.