Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS) in plants– maintenance of structural individuality and functional blend

Abstract

The free radicals along with several reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are known to play a dual role in the biological living system which carries a substantial importance in terms of signal networking in plants. The production of these active molecules in different cellular compartments eventually led to oxidative damage. However recent discoveries have evidenced its crucial roles as signaling molecules, activating stress responses against environmental challenges. As can be seen, the cellular organelles are considered to be the primary repository and site of action for reactive species there by later with the establishment of stress signaling concept, the underlying mechanism of ROS/RNS interaction has been elucidated properly by cellular organelle based study. These efforts led to the identification of signaling cascades generated by ROS and RNS which are not only involved with various antioxidative pathways but also correspond with other stress specific mechanisms. This study focuses on a burgeoning area of plant study, highlights the site specific generation, interplay, effect on several metabolic pathways and mode of reaction of ROS/RNS in cells. The review moreover postulates the fundamental mechanism of ROS/RNS cross talking in a lucid manner which further helps to stand out its significant importance with respect to plant survival during the course of evolution. Increasing interest in the area of plant stress and the ROS/RNS signaling, more elementary knowledge regarding their specificity, regulation, flexibility yet to be explored at molecular level by the advancement of technology.

Keywords

• ROS
• RNS
• Formation
• Molecular netwrok
• Cross talking
• Molecular evolution