An Update on Reactive Oxygen Species Synthesis and Its Potential Application

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are by-products of aerobic electron transport pathways produced in organelles like mitochondria, apoplast, chloroplast, and peroxisomes. These are also generated during plant–microbe interaction and are secondary messengers during plant developmental pathways. ROS plays a vital role in the dormancy and germination of seeds by inhibiting transcription and translation process. This results in carbonylation of proteins, gene damage causing loss of germination and viability. ROS is also involved in the perception and transmission of environmental factors that control germination during seed inhibition that favors germination. The levels of ROS are kept to a proportion that causes cellular damage called apoptosis by the release of cytochrome c through an opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores. The present chapter will focus on the production of ROS in different compartments, its signaling pathways, its role in seed germination, and how it protects the seeds from pathogens. The study of the synthesis of ROS and its application will provide a basis for future research in the maintenance of plant quality, viability, and factors that may help increase plant yield.