Oxidative stress and antioxidant functions are crucial for maintaining efficient photosynthesis in plants. Photosynthesis generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause damage if not properly managed. However, ROS also play a signaling role in plant growth and stress responses. Antioxidant systems, such as ascorbate (AsA) and glutathione (GSH), help neutralize ROS and maintain redox balance. The AsA-GSH cycle and other antioxidant pathways are essential for protecting photosynthetic processes from oxidative damage. Recent studies highlight the importance of these systems in regulating photosynthesis under stress conditions. The chloroplast antioxidant network includes enzymes like ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and peroxiredoxins (PRX), which work together to detoxify ROS and maintain redox homeostasis. Genetic manipulation of these antioxidant systems has shown promise in improving plant tolerance to abiotic stress. For example, overexpression of APX or GPX in transgenic plants enhances resistance to oxidative stress. Additionally, antioxidants like α-tocopherol and oligosaccharides such as galactinol and raffinose also contribute to stress tolerance by protecting against oxidative damage. The interplay between antioxidant systems and redox signaling is complex, with ROS serving both as harmful byproducts and signaling molecules. Understanding these interactions is key to developing strategies for improving photosynthesis and plant resilience under environmental stress.Oxidative stress and antioxidant functions are crucial for maintaining efficient photosynthesis in plants. Photosynthesis generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause damage if not properly managed. However, ROS also play a signaling role in plant growth and stress responses. Antioxidant systems, such as ascorbate (AsA) and glutathione (GSH), help neutralize ROS and maintain redox balance. The AsA-GSH cycle and other antioxidant pathways are essential for protecting photosynthetic processes from oxidative damage. Recent studies highlight the importance of these systems in regulating photosynthesis under stress conditions. The chloroplast antioxidant network includes enzymes like ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and peroxiredoxins (PRX), which work together to detoxify ROS and maintain redox homeostasis. Genetic manipulation of these antioxidant systems has shown promise in improving plant tolerance to abiotic stress. For example, overexpression of APX or GPX in transgenic plants enhances resistance to oxidative stress. Additionally, antioxidants like α-tocopherol and oligosaccharides such as galactinol and raffinose also contribute to stress tolerance by protecting against oxidative damage. The interplay between antioxidant systems and redox signaling is complex, with ROS serving both as harmful byproducts and signaling molecules. Understanding these interactions is key to developing strategies for improving photosynthesis and plant resilience under environmental stress.