Oxidative Stress and Plant Mitochondria

Mitochondria not only are a source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) but also are sites of oxidative damage. In plants, mitochondria must normally operate when there are high levels of ROS produced during photosynthesis and photorespiration. These levels are further enhanced during biotic and abiotic stress of plants. Excessive stress can lead to mitochondrial damage, which may then lead to induction of programmed cell death in plants. We outline methods for imposing oxidative stress in plants, provide methods for measurements of its severity, and then explain assays for assessing plant mitochondrial oxidative damage and measuring the capacity of key stress defense and response pathways.