Monodehydroascorbate reductase mediates TNT toxicity in plants

Abstract

Bioremediation from disabled self-destruction Explosives used in mining, construction, or military operations leave behind contaminated soils. Although bioremediation could help, plants do not thrive on these soils. Johnston et al. have now found out why (see the Perspective by Noctor). An enzyme found in plant mitochondria and chloroplasts spins out of control when given the explosive TNT, generating toxic reactive oxygen species and subverting biochemical pathways. With the key enzyme disabled, the plants are better at tolerating and accumulating TNT. These results point the way to future bioremediation and herbicide strategies. Science , this issue p. 1072 ; see also p. 1052