XVI International Botanical Congess

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated as a consequence of normal metabolic activity and/or environmental factors impose significant oxidative stress on biological systems. Additionally, when properly modulated, ROS play significant roles in regulating gene expression and as second messengers to signal a variety of cellular fates. The antioxidant genes encoding catalases (Cat) and superoxide dismutases (Sod) play key roles in modulating levels of ROS in cells,avoiding excess stress that can lead to cell death. The Cat and Sod genes of maize will be discussed with respect to their architecture, differential responses to different signals, and roles in defense against oxidative stress.