Low Molecular Weight Antioxidants in Cyanobacteria and Plant Cells

Abstract

Oxygenic photosynthesis is one of the main sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the cells of photosynthetic organisms, the mechanism of maintaining a balance between oxidative and antioxidant processes includes both enzymatic and nonenzymatic defense systems that are already formed in prokaryotic cells. The review presents current data on the main mechanisms of ROS formation in cyanobacteria and plant cells, a comparative analysis of the main groups of low molecular weight antioxidants (ascorbic acid, glutathione, tocopherols, carotenoids, anthocyanins, polyamines, etc.) and their contribution to ROS detoxification and cellular protection from oxidative stress.