Oxyradicals under UV -B stress and their quenching by antioxidants

884-892Formation of oxyradicals under UV-B stress was investigated using cucumber cotyledons. UV-irradiation induced production of free radicals which were analyzed by ESR spectroscopy. Evidence was obtained for the formation of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals in the tissues by comparing PBN-adducts formed with radicals obtained by chemical auto-oxidation of KO2 and Fenton's reaction. Addition of superoxide dismutase (SOD) to the reaction mixture partially reduced the intensity of signals confirming the production of superoxide radical as well as hydroxyl radicals. These radicals were quenched in vitro by the natural antioxidants α-tocopherol , ascorbic acid and benzoquinone. Changes in the level of antioxidants were also monitored under UV-B stress. The endogenous level of ascorbic acid was enhanced and α-tocopherol level was reduced in the tissue after exposure to UV-B radiation. The present report happens to be the first direct evidence obtained for the formation of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals in plant tissues exposed to UV-B radiation