The alternative respiration pathway in plants: regulaion and finctions

Information on functioning of plant mitochondria electron-transport chain is presented and discussed. Crucial problems of studying a wasteful alternative (cyanide-resistant) respiratory pathways (AP) for maintenance a respiratory carbon metabolism, redox balance during mitochondrial electron transport, and alleviating formation of reactive oxygen species under normal growth conditions and stress are formulated. Our experimental data show that respiration and respiratory pathways ratio depends on plant material, its functional state, intensity and period of environmental factors impact. It is concluded that AP engagement expands adaptive possibilities of plant, contributes to growth maintenance and protection against stress. Mechanisms of a possible AP participation in apoptosis and in regulation of photosynthesis and respiration relationship are discussed. The outlook for the further investigation of alternative respiration is shown.