Comparison of ROS formation and antioxidant enzymes in Cleome gynandra (C4) and Cleome spinosa (C3) under drought stress

► This is the first report on comparison of ROS formation and antioxidant enzymes in the C3 and C4 Cleome plants. ► Constitutive levels of antioxidant enzymes (except SOD) were higher in C. spinosa (C3) than in C. gynandra (C4). ► Drought stress caused an increase in POX, CAT, APX and GR in both species. ► In C4, induction of antioxidant system was lower as compared to C3, but it was able to cope with ROS formation under stress. ► MDA, and H2O2 content increased in C. spinosa as compared to C. gynandra under stress.