Iodide accumulation provides kelp with an inorganic antioxidant impacting atmospheric chemistry.

TitleIodide accumulation provides kelp with an inorganic antioxidant impacting atmospheric chemistry.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2008
AuthorsKüpper FC, Carpenter LJ, McFiggans GB, Palmer CJ, Waite TJ, Boneberg E-M, Woitsch S, Weiller M, Abela R, Grolimund D, Potin P, Butler A, Luther GW, Kroneck PMH, Meyer-Klaucke W, Feiters MC
JournalProc Natl Acad Sci U S A
Volume105
Issue19
Pagination6954-8
Date Published2008 May 13
ISSN1091-6490
KeywordsAntioxidants, Atmosphere, Free Radical Scavengers, Hexuronic Acids, Iodides, Kelp, Laminaria, Models, Biological, Ozone, Respiratory Burst, Spectrum Analysis, Time Factors
Abstract

Brown algae of the Laminariales (kelps) are the strongest accumulators of iodine among living organisms. They represent a major pump in the global biogeochemical cycle of iodine and, in particular, the major source of iodocarbons in the coastal atmosphere. Nevertheless, the chemical state and biological significance of accumulated iodine have remained unknown to this date. Using x-ray absorption spectroscopy, we show that the accumulated form is iodide, which readily scavenges a variety of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We propose here that its biological role is that of an inorganic antioxidant, the first to be described in a living system. Upon oxidative stress, iodide is effluxed. On the thallus surface and in the apoplast, iodide detoxifies both aqueous oxidants and ozone, the latter resulting in the release of high levels of molecular iodine and the consequent formation of hygroscopic iodine oxides leading to particles, which are precursors to cloud condensation nuclei. In a complementary set of experiments using a heterologous system, iodide was found to effectively scavenge ROS in human blood cells.

DOI10.1073/pnas.0709959105
Alternate JournalProc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.
PubMed ID18458346
PubMed Central IDPMC2383960