Production of extracellular reactive oxygen species by phytoplankton: past and future directions.

ABSTRACT: In aquatic environments, phytoplankton represent a major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. Many phytoplankton taxa also produce extracellular ROS under optimal growth conditions in culture. However, the physiological purpose of extracellular ROS production by phytoplankton and its wider significance to ecosystem-scale trophic interactions and biogeochemistry remain unclear. Here, we review the rates, taxonomic diversity, subcellular mechanisms and functions of extracellular superoxide and hydrogen peroxide production by phytoplankton with a view towards future research directions. Model eukaryotic phytoplankton and cyanobacteria produce extracellular superoxide and hydrogen peroxide at cell-normalized rates that span several orders of magnitu

SUBMITTER: Diaz JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6247811 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature