Oxidative Stress Management in Plants: A Balancing Act between Antioxidants and Redox Signaling

Elkelish, Amr; Abu-Elsaoud, Abdelghafar M. M.

doi:10.21608/sasj.2024.397390

Oxidative Stress Management in Plants: A Balancing Act between Antioxidants and Redox Signaling

Document Type : Review article

Authors

Amr Elkelish ¹
Abdelghafar M. M. Abu-Elsaoud ¹^{, 2}

¹ Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt

² Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, 11623, KSA

10.21608/sasj.2024.397390

Abstract

Plants exist in environments that continually test their ability to cope with various biotic and abiotic stressors. Many of these challenges lead to the excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing a precarious cellular situation termed oxidative stress. Although unchecked ROS can inflict severe damage on cellular components, it is now clear that low or moderate levels of these reactive molecules fulfill vital signaling functions. From fine-tuning developmental processes to orchestrating rapid defense responses, the delicate balance between ROS production and scavenging is essential for plant growth and survival. This review provides a comprehensive examination of how plants generate and manage ROS, the molecular architecture of their antioxidant defense networks, and the complex redox signaling events that underpin acclimation to fluctuating environmental conditions. Emphasis is placed on recent advances (2020–2025) in understanding how specific antioxidant pathways and redox-regulated transcriptional programs improve tolerance to drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, and heavy metals. We also discuss the integration of ROS and hormones, the interplay between antioxidants and plant–microbe interactions, and emerging biotechnological approaches, including gene editing, aimed at enhancing stress resilience. By synthesizing current insights and highlighting open questions, this review underscores the significance of redox homeostasis in shaping plant fitness, productivity, and resilience against the intensifying stresses imposed by global climate.

Keywords