Chapter 10, Problem 18RQ

Summary Introduction

To review:

The reason behind vitamin E being a protector against the ROS (reactive oxygen species) in appropriate amounts and not being effective as an antioxidant in excessive amounts.

Introduction:

ROS is a group of unstable free radicals and ions that contain oxygen. In non-stressed plants, their concentration is low and they act as signaling molecules, but in stressed plants, they are toxic byproducts and are generated in large amounts. These highly reactive molecules can cause oxidative stress in a cell upon accumulation and can lead to cell death due to oxidative damage.