Peroxisomes as cell generators of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) signal molecules

Subcell Biochem. 2013:69:283-98. doi: 10.1007/978-94-007-6889-5_15.

Abstract

Nitric oxide is a gaseous free radical with a wide range of direct and indirect actions in plant cells. However, the enzymatic sources of NO and its subcellular localization in plants are still under debate. Among the different subcellular compartments where NO has been found to be produced, peroxisomes are the best characterized since in these organelles it has been demonstrated the presence of NO and it has been biochemically characterized a L-arginine-dependent nitric oxide synthase activity. This chapter summarizes the present knowledge of the NO metabolism and its derived reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in plant peroxisomes and how this gaseous free radical is involved in natural senescence, and is released to the cytosol under salinity stress conditions acting as a signal molecule.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arginine / metabolism
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism*
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase / metabolism
  • Peroxisomes / metabolism*
  • Plant Proteins / metabolism
  • Plants / metabolism*
  • Salt Tolerance
  • Salt-Tolerant Plants / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Stress, Physiological

Substances

  • Plant Proteins
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Arginine
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase