Production and diffusion of chloroplastic H2O2 and its implication to signalling.

Hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) is recognized as an important signalling molecule. There are two important aspects to this function: H(2)O(2) production and its diffusion to its sites of action. The production of H(2)O(2) by photosynthetic electron transport and its ability to diffuse through the chloroplast envelope membranes has been investigated using spin trapping electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and H(2)O(2)-sensitive fluorescence dyes.

The production and scavenging of reactive oxygen species in the plastoquinone pool of chloroplast thylakoid membranes.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting from oxygen reduction, superoxide anion radical O2(*-) and hydrogen peroxide H(2)O(2) are very significant in the cell metabolism of aerobic organisms. They can be destructive and lead to apoptosis and they can also serve as signal molecules. In the light, chloroplasts are known to be one of the main sources of ROS in plants.