Redox Systems of the Plant Cell Vacuole Compared to Redox Systems of Other Subcellular Structures

In the central vacuole, some redox processes can be a source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Other processes, in contrast, are scavenging ROS. It is likely that vacuolar glutathione and ascorbic acid, as antioxidants, are involved in the reduction of some compounds, including ROS, accumulated in the vacuole. The vacuolar glutathione system and the ascorbate system, maintaining the redox balance of phenolic compounds, make a certain contribution to the formation of a redox environment inside the vacuolar compartment. In addition, these redox systems are involved in the implementation of such vacuolar functions as antioxidant defense and detoxification. There are evidence confirming a significant contribution of the vacuole to the redox homeostasis of plant cell. A comprehensive study of the vacuolar redox systems (in comparison to the redox systems of other subcellular structures) may substantially expand the understanding of functions vacuolar compartment.