Mechanisms of Action of Nanosilica to Reduce Oxidative Stress in Plants

This chapter describes oxidative stress in plants, its generation, and the adverse impacts it produces. It also describes the defense system plants have to deal with oxidative stress. Furthermore, it shows how nanosilica induces tolerance to oxidative stress in plants through changes at different levels, such as genetic and biochemical. Nanosilica can trigger a signaling cascade at the cellular level, which results in genetic modifications and the overexpression of genes related to the antioxidant defense system. In turn, it translates into greater production of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants.