Reactive Oxygen Species, Oxidative Stress and Plant Ion Channels

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important toxic and regulatory agents in plants. They are produced in response to a number of stimuli, including major biotic and abiotic stresses. Disruption of respiratory and photosynthetic electron transport chains, as well as activation of NADPH oxidases (NOXs) and peroxidases, is a major reason for ROS generation and accumulation during stress conditions. ROS production results in an additional challenge for plants that is called oxidative stress. The latter can not only damage plant cells but can also signal prime stresses to gene expression through activation of Ca2+ influx and K+ efflux ion channels. This chapter reviews the mechanisms of stress-induced ROS genera- tion in plants and discusses properties, regulation and possible structure of plant ROS-activated ion channels. Abbreviations