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Prospects for enhancement of the soluble antioxidants, ascorbate and glutathione
Author(s) -
Foyer Christine H.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
biofactors
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.204
H-Index - 94
eISSN - 1872-8081
pISSN - 0951-6433
DOI - 10.1002/biof.5520150204
Subject(s) - glutathione , tripeptide , ascorbic acid , antioxidant , biochemistry , vitamin c , chemistry , oxidative stress , biosynthesis , glycine , dehydroascorbic acid , enzyme , amino acid , food science
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and the tripeptide thiol, glutathione γ ‐glutamyl cysteinyl glycine (glutathione) are the major low molecular weight soluble antioxidants in plant cells. The pathway of glutathione biosynthesis is similar in animals and plants while that of ascorbate biosynthesis differs considerably between the two kingdoms. The potential for obtaining substantial constitutive changes in the tissue contents of these antioxidants by manipulation of the biosynthetic enzymes has been demonstrated. Moreover, the concentrations of ascorbate and glutathione are greatly modified in response to a variety of environmental triggers, particularly those that cause increased oxidative stress. It is essential that the signals and associated signal transduction pathways that trigger enhanced antioxidant accumulation are elucidated as these offer an important alternative means of achieving greater nutritional value in edible plant organs.