The article reviews the molecular mechanisms underlying plant responses to water stress and their impact on growth adjustment. Water stress negatively affects plant growth by reducing photosynthesis and increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Plants have evolved various mechanisms to adapt to water stress, including stomatal closure, ion transport, and activation of stress signaling pathways. The review highlights the role of abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, ion transport, and transcription factors in these responses. ABA signaling triggers the production of ROS, which increases cytosolic Ca2+ and activates anion and K+ channels, leading to stomatal closure and reduced guard cell turgor. Ion transport systems, such as ABC transporters and nitrate transporters, are crucial for ABA transport and regulation of stomatal responses. Transcription factors like MYB, MYC, DREB/CBF, ABF/AREB, NAC, and WRKY play key roles in regulating drought-responsive gene expression. The article also discusses the early signaling pathways involved in water stress perception, including receptor and sensor proteins, and the role of cytokinin receptors in ABA and drought signaling. Additionally, it explores the protection of photosynthesis during water stress, highlighting the importance of metabolite signals and retrograde signaling pathways. Finally, the article concludes with a discussion on the potential of genome editing technologies to improve plant stress tolerance and productivity.The article reviews the molecular mechanisms underlying plant responses to water stress and their impact on growth adjustment. Water stress negatively affects plant growth by reducing photosynthesis and increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Plants have evolved various mechanisms to adapt to water stress, including stomatal closure, ion transport, and activation of stress signaling pathways. The review highlights the role of abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, ion transport, and transcription factors in these responses. ABA signaling triggers the production of ROS, which increases cytosolic Ca2+ and activates anion and K+ channels, leading to stomatal closure and reduced guard cell turgor. Ion transport systems, such as ABC transporters and nitrate transporters, are crucial for ABA transport and regulation of stomatal responses. Transcription factors like MYB, MYC, DREB/CBF, ABF/AREB, NAC, and WRKY play key roles in regulating drought-responsive gene expression. The article also discusses the early signaling pathways involved in water stress perception, including receptor and sensor proteins, and the role of cytokinin receptors in ABA and drought signaling. Additionally, it explores the protection of photosynthesis during water stress, highlighting the importance of metabolite signals and retrograde signaling pathways. Finally, the article concludes with a discussion on the potential of genome editing technologies to improve plant stress tolerance and productivity.