Superoxide

Superoxide is a compound that contains the superoxide anion with the chemical formula O₂⁻. The systematic name of the anion is dioxide(1−). It is an important intermediate in many biological processes. Superoxide is also implicated in the direct tissue injury that follows many types of cell death.

Chemistry

Superoxide is a very reactive species due to its negative charge and its ability to participate in redox reactions. It can cause oxidative damage to cells and tissues. The superoxide anion is a free radical, and like other free radicals, it can cause oxidative stress in cells, leading to cell damage or death.

Biological role

In biological systems, the superoxide ion is produced as a by-product of the electron transport chain, a series of protein complexes embedded in the mitochondrial membrane that is involved in energy production. The superoxide ion is also produced by certain enzymes, such as NADPH oxidase.

Superoxide is primarily harmful to the body and is one of the main reactive oxygen species. The body's defenses against superoxide involve the enzyme Superoxide dismutase (SOD), which catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide, which is then degraded by the enzyme Catalase or other peroxidases.

Health implications

Superoxide is involved in a number of health conditions. It is implicated in oxidative stress, a condition that occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to counteract their harmful effects. Oxidative stress is thought to play a role in a variety of diseases including cancer, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Atherosclerosis, Heart failure, heart attack, and stroke.

Superoxide Resources
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