Photosynthetic organisms support life on Earth by using sunlight energy. During photosynthesis, water is oxidized to O2 to supply electrons to the electron transport chain and CO2 is reduced to synthesize sugars. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can be produced from O2 during photosynthesis. O2 can be for instance reduced to superoxide anion radical, or react with excited chlorophyll generating singlet O2. The generation of superoxide favors the production of other ROS, such as hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical. ROS induce oxidative damages to cellular functions if not scavenged. At the same time, ROS serve as signaling molecules that regulate gene expression to alleviate stress conditions, reconstruct cellular functions, and favor acclimation of photosynthetic organisms to diverse environmental conditions.
In this Research Topic, we welcome Original Research, Review, and Opinion Articles related to O2 and ROS metabolisms, including photosynthesis, photorespiration, and respiration in all photosynthetic organisms. In particular, we are interested in studies focused on:
- Physiological studies aimed to explore environmental effects on the robustness of photosystems.
- Biochemical and molecular studies on photosynthetic regulation mechanisms that suppress ROS production.
- Diversity of effects of ROS on photosynthesis among plant species/ecotype/varieties.
Photosynthetic organisms support life on Earth by using sunlight energy. During photosynthesis, water is oxidized to O2 to supply electrons to the electron transport chain and CO2 is reduced to synthesize sugars. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can be produced from O2 during photosynthesis. O2 can be for instance reduced to superoxide anion radical, or react with excited chlorophyll generating singlet O2. The generation of superoxide favors the production of other ROS, such as hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical. ROS induce oxidative damages to cellular functions if not scavenged. At the same time, ROS serve as signaling molecules that regulate gene expression to alleviate stress conditions, reconstruct cellular functions, and favor acclimation of photosynthetic organisms to diverse environmental conditions.
In this Research Topic, we welcome Original Research, Review, and Opinion Articles related to O2 and ROS metabolisms, including photosynthesis, photorespiration, and respiration in all photosynthetic organisms. In particular, we are interested in studies focused on:
- Physiological studies aimed to explore environmental effects on the robustness of photosystems.
- Biochemical and molecular studies on photosynthetic regulation mechanisms that suppress ROS production.
- Diversity of effects of ROS on photosynthesis among plant species/ecotype/varieties.