Antioxidant Defenses in Plants with Attention to Prunus and Citrus spp.

Antioxidants

关键词: reactive oxygen species;    ROS;    antioxidant enzymes;    antioxidant molecules;    Prunus spp.;    Citrus spp.;    ascorbic acid;    vitamin C;    carotenoids;    flavonoids;   

DOI  :  10.3390/antiox2040340

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

This short review briefly introduces the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as by-products of oxidation/reduction (redox) reactions, and the ways in which the antioxidant defense machinery is involved directly or indirectly in ROS scavenging. Major antioxidants, both enzymatic and non enzymatic, that protect higher plant cells from oxidative stress damage are described. Biochemical and molecular features of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) are discussed because they play crucial roles in scavenging ROS in the different cell compartments and in response to stress conditions. Among the non enzymatic defenses, particular attention is paid to ascorbic acid, glutathione, flavonoids, carotenoids, and tocopherols. The operation of ROS scavenging systems during the seasonal cycle and specific developmental events, such as fruit ripening and senescence, are discussed in relation to the intense ROS formation during these processes that impact fruit quality. Particular attention is paid to Prunus and Citrus species because of the nutritional and antioxidant properties contained in these commonly consumed fruits.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2013 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.