Oxidative stress responses in the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechococcus PCC 7942.

Oxidative stress responses were tested in the unicellular cyanobacterium synechococcus PCC 7942 (R-2). Cells were exposed to hydrogen peroxide, cumene hydroperoxide and high light intensities. The extent and time course of oxidative stress were related to the activities of ascorbate peroxidase and catalase. Ascorbate peroxidase was found to be the major enzyme involved in the removal of hydrogen peroxide under the tested oxidative stress. Catalase activity was inhibited in cells, treated with high H2O2 concentrations, and was not induced under photooxidative stress. Catalase was specifically induced in cells treated with cumene hydroperoxide. Superoxide dismutase activity increased under conditions generating superoxide, such as high light intensities. The induction of the antioxidative enzymes was light dependent and was inhibited by chloramphenicol.