XVI International Botanical Congess
Desiccation and subsequent rehydration of plant cells provides a potential for oxidative damage to occur. The damage can result from the generation of partially reduced active oxygen species (AOS) such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. These can be formed when metabolic processes such as electron transport are disrupted. Oxidative deterioration of macromolecules could also occur during long periods of desiccation in the light. All plant cells contain a suite of enzymes and low molecular weight antioxidants which are able to detoxify AOS and remove or repair macromolecules damaged by oxidation. The evidence that avoidance and repair of oxidative damage are significant components of desiccation tolerance in plant cells will be reviewed and placed in the context of other biochemical requirements for desiccation tolerance.