Cells generate energy by reducing molecular oxygen to water
2012
Key concepts
Scholarcy highlights
- Cells generate energy by reducing molecular oxygen to water
- Small amounts of partially reduced reactive oxygen forms are produced as unavoidable byproducts which are referred to as Reactive Oxygen Species
- Reactive nitrogen species and other non reactive derivatives are involved. These processes lead to tissue damage and contribute to the pathogenesis of many disorders like hypertension, cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders and others
- The human body has several mechanisms to counter the effects of these reactive species by the production of antioxidant enzymes like glutathione and catalase
- This article provides an overview of the different free radicals known, the mechanism by which they cause tissue damage and the protective role played by different antioxidants
- Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available with journals@phcog.net
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