Fig. 2.

Loss of SOD activity results in increased sensitivity to multiple stresses. sod-12345 worms have markedly increased sensitivity to superoxide-mediated oxidative stress induced by exposure to low concentrations of paraquat during development (A), by acute exposure to juglone during adulthood (B), and by chronic exposure to 4 mM paraquat beginning on day 1 of adulthood (C). In contrast, sod-12345 worms exhibit normal sensitivity to H₂O₂-mediated oxidative stress (D). sod-12345 worms are also sensitive to osmotic stress (E), cold stress (F), and heat stress (G). Results from each stress assay represent the average of at least three independent trials with 20 worms or 40 eggs per trial. Whereas there was a trend toward increased resistance to H₂O₂-mediated oxidative stress at 2 mM H₂O₂, the difference was not significant. Error bars indicate SEM. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001. FA, fertile adult.