Origins of oscillatory dynamics in the model of reactive oxygen species in the rhizosphere

Abstract

Oscillatory processes are essential for normal functioning and survival of biological systems, and reactive oxygen species have a prominent role in many of them. A mechanism representing the dynamics of these species in the rhizosphere is analyzed using stoichiometric network analysis with the aim to determine its capabilities to simulate various dynamical states, including oscillations. A detailed analysis has shown that unstable steady states result from four destabilizing feedback cycles, among which the cycle involving hydroquinone, an electron acceptor, and its semi-reduced form is the dominant one responsible for the existence of saddle-node and Andronov-Hopf bifurcations. This requires a higher steady-state concentration for the reduced electron acceptor compared to that of the remaining species, where the level of oxygen steady-state concentration determines whether the Andronov-Hopf or saddle-node bifurcation will occur.