Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species in Plants

Dear Colleagues,

Different reactive oxygen species (ROS), including free radicals, (superoxide anion, O₂^•−; hydroperoxyl radical, HO₂^•; alkoxy radical, RO^•; and hydroxyl radical, ^•OH) and non-radical molecules (hydrogen peroxide, H₂O₂, and singlet oxygen, ¹O₂), are naturally produced in plants as a result of the cellular metabolism. Although at a low level ROS act as a signaling molecule, a high amount of ROS results in oxidative stress, causing damage to proteins, lipids, DNA, and, ultimately, cell death. Plants have a well-developed antioxidant defense composed of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic components, which work in the detoxification of ROS. Under normal situations, this system is efficient enough to maintain normal plant life. However, under stressful conditions, plants need to enhance the antioxidant defense system to a great extent for protection from oxidative damage. Apart from ROS, reactive nitrogen species (RNS) have played an important role in plant stress biology for the last couple of decades. RNS participate in many signalling pathways to improve the plant's developmental processes and confer plant stress tolerance. Several molecules of ROS and RNS cascades often interact to provide such signalling or protection against stress. During the last couple of decades, significant progress has been made in laboratory and field research revealing ROS and RNS metabolism and their implications for plant growth and productivity. In this Topic, we aim at publishing research articles and reviews on research focused on ROS and RNS biology and their role in plant growth, development, and defence systems, which will serve as a foundation for plant stress tolerance.

Prof. Dr. Mirza Hasanuzzaman
Dr. Nobuhiro Suzuki
Dr. Masayuki Fujita
Topic Editors