Derivative of molecular oxygen that can damage cells.
A highly reactive form of oxygen. Superoxide is produced during the normal catalytic function of certain enzymes, by the oxidation of hemoglobin to methemoglobin, and when ionizing radiation passes through water. It is also produced when granulocytes phagocytize bacteria. Superoxide is destroyed by the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which catalyzes the conversion of two molecules of superoxide anion to one molecule of oxygen and one of hydrogen peroxide. Superoxides play a part in many diseases and conditions, including central nervous system damage in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and endothelial damage in hypertension and diabetes mellitus.
A compound that includes the highly reactive superoxide radical O2, generated when molecular oxygen is reduced in various biological processes, is continuously eliminated by the enzyme superoxide dismutase due to its extreme toxicity.