[Seed dormancy alleviation and oxidative signaling]
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Reliable Method for Assessing Seed Germination, Dormancy, and Mortality under Field Conditions
Published on: November 6, 2016
Christophe Bailly1, Hayat El Maarouf Bouteau, Françoise Corbineau
1EA 2388 Physiologie des Semences, Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, Le Raphaël, site d'Ivry, boîte 152, 4 place Jussieu, 75005 Paris, France. christophe.bailly@upmc.fr
Abstract:
Recent advances in plant physiology signaling pathways have led to consider reactive oxygen species (ROS) as being key actors in the regulation of germination and dormancy. ROS accumulation during seed dry storage or during their imbibition would trigger cellular events controlling the realization of germination. We show that ROS accumulation triggers specific carbonylation of proteins thus modifying the occurrence of enzyme-mediated reactions during germination or facilitating reserve protein degradation through the proteasome. This suggests that dormancy is in part controlled by protein oxidation. ROS can also act as a positive signal in seed dormancy release through their effect on other mechanisms such as the control of the cellular redox status and the activation of transcription factors. Their interaction with abscisic acid and gibberellins is also evoked and a new mechanism of dormancy regulation in which ROS crosstalk with hormonal pathways is proposed.
Related Concept Videos
Gene Regulation During Sporulation
Responses to Heat and Cold Stress
Adaptations that Reduce Water Loss
Regulation of Transpiration by Stomata
Responses to Drought and Flooding
Endospores and Sporulation
