Function of the alternative oxidase: Is it still a scavenger?

Anthony L. Moore, Mary S. Albury, Paul G. Crichton, Charles Affourtit

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

167 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The alternative oxidase is a respiratory chain protein found in all higher plants, fungi, non-fermentative yeasts and trypanosomes. Its primary structure suggests that it is a new member of the di-iron carboxylate protein family. Recent sequence analysis indicates an evolutionary relationship between primitive members of this protein family and the alternative oxidase, suggesting that its early function was to scavenge di-oxygen. However, modelling of plant growth kinetics suggests a different function.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)478-481
Number of pages4
JournalTrends in Plant Science
Volume7
Issue number11
Early online date29 Oct 2002
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2002

Keywords

  • alternative oxidase
  • di-iron proteins
  • respiration
  • plant growth
  • reactive oxygen species
  • Plant Science
  • Evolution
  • Biochemistry
  • Development
  • Cell biology

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