Properties and functions of glutathione reductase in plants |
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Authors: | Ivan K Smith Thomas L Vierheller Carol A Thorne |
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Institution: | Dept of Botany, Ohio Univ., Athens, OH 45701-2979 USA;Dept of Chemistry, West Virginia Univ., Parkersburg, WV 26101 USA. |
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Abstract: | The assay and in vitro characterization of glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2) is discussed. In vivo the H2O2-scavenging system in chloroplasts is the best documented role of reduced glutathione and glutathione reductase in plants. Similarly, redaction of H2O2, outside of the chloroplasts, requires glutathione and glutathione reductase; but the pathway, in terms of intermediates, is controversial. The notion that biological stress frequently causes cellular oxidation has lead to the suggestion that glutathione and glutathione reductase may play a role in stress resistance or tolerance mechanisms. The changes in glutathione reductase levels in response to low temperature, oxidative stress and drought are discussed. |
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Keywords: | H2O2 scavenging plant stress glutathione glutathione reductase |
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