Metabolites of 2,3-diketogulonate delay peroxidase action and induce non-enzymic H2O2 generation: Potential roles in the plant cell wall

In conclusion, compound (1) is the major H2O2-generating, peroxidase-delaying principle formed non-enzymically from DKG in the pathway ascorbate → dehydroascorbic acid → DKG → (1). We hypothesise that (1) generates apoplastic H2O2 (and consequently hydroxyl radicals) and delays cell-wall crosslinking - both these effects favouring wall loosening, and possibly playing a role in pathogen defence.