Interaction between heavy metals and thiol-linked redox reactions in germination

• Published in: Pakistan journal of biological sciences Vol. 13; no. 18; pp. 877 - 883
• Main Authors: Smiri, M, Chaoui, A, Ferjani, E E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Pakistan 15.09.2010
• Subjects: Germination; Metals, Heavy - metabolism; Oxidation-Reduction; Plant Physiological Phenomena; Seeds - embryology; Seeds - physiology; Sulfhydryl Compounds - metabolism
• ISSN: 1028-8880
• DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2010.877.883

Thioredoxin (TRX) proteins perform important biological functions in cells by changing the redox state of proteins via dithiol disulfide exchange. Several systems are able to control the activity, stability, and correct folding of enzymes through dithiol/disulfide isomerization reactions including the enzyme protein disulfide-isomerase, the glutathione-dependent glutaredoxin system, and the thioredoxin systems. Plants have devised sophisticated mechanisms to cope with biotic and abiotic stresses imposed by their environment. Among these mechanisms, those collectively referred to as redox reactions induced by endogenous systems. This is of agronomical importance since a better knowledge of the involved mechanisms can offer novel means for crop protection. In the plant life cycle, the seed and seedling stages are key developmental stages conditioning the final yield of crops. Both are very sensitive to heavy metal stress. Plant redox reactions are principally studied on adult plant organs and there is only very scarce informations about the onset of redox regulation at the level of seed germination. In the here presented study, we discussed the importance of redox proteins in plant cell metabolism and defence. Special focus is given to TRX, which are involved in detoxification of ROS and also to their targets.