Figure 6. Summary of the overall oxidative stress responses exhibited by Aspergillus flavus isolates.

The isolates examined in this study exhibited four primary responses to imposed oxidative stress which were influenced by the provided culture medium carbon source (sucrose or peptone). These include: cell wall and cell membrane maintenance and repair through the regulation of chitinases and lipases along with associated signaling pathways; enzymatic detoxification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the thioredoxin and glutathione cycles along with enzymes such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD); enhancement and maintenance of primary metabolic needs in response to stress; and increased secondary metabolite production to either fix and secrete excess oxygen and ROS, or to limit their formation through co-factor binding or direct antioxidant activity.