hence does not contribute to ATP synthesis, the function of the pathway has been clariรผed in recent years. It is expressed and activated during periods of stress, for example in response to wounding or รฝowering.1 This activation provides plant mitochondria with a mechanism by which an increased rate of respiration can be achieved. There is no evidence that Ggt responds to stress in a similar way, so its alternative pathway must have a diรพerent function.
One explanation for the presence of the alternative oxidase in Ggt is that its for oxygen is lower than K m that of cytochrome oxidase for oxygen. This would suggest that the constitutive expression of the alternative oxidase could be an adaptive response to low oxygen concentrations often associated with the environment surrounding plant root systems.
Overall this study has demonstrated that variation in the components of the electron-transfer chain within the mitochondria of รผlamentous fungi is possible (Fig 1B). It also implicates involvement of novel complexes in the process of electron transfer, and ultimately in providing cellular ATP. With the development and launch of novel chemistries targeting energy production, such as the methoxyacrylates, the requirement to characterise fully fungal respiratory chains is essential in order to adopt suitable resistant management strategies and for the design of novel chemistries.