REVIEW: Regulation and Physiological Role of Cyanide-Resistant Oxidases in Fungi and Plants

A. G. Medentsev^*, A. Yu. Arinbasarova, and V. K. Akimenko

Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow Region, 142292 Russia; fax: (095) 923-3602; E-mail: medentsev@ibpm.serpukhov.su

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received April 14, 1999; Revision received June 15, 1999

---

Data on the induction and regulation of cyanide-resistant oxidases in eucaryotic microorganisms and higher plants are reviewed. Expression of an alternative oxidase gene can be caused by a decrease in energy charge in cells. Some evidence exists suggesting that cAMP and Ca²⁺ act as intracellular signals inducing the expression of the alternative oxidase genes. Under certain conditions cells produce alternative oxidases which remain in an inactive state. Activation of the alternative pathway of cell respiration is usually observed when electron transport via cytochromes is inhibited. The physiological role of the alternative oxidase is discussed.

---

KEY WORDS: cyanide-resistant respiration, alternative oxidase, alternative pathway, properties, induction, regulation, yeast, fungi, plants, physiological role

---