Superoksidiionin

Superoksidiionin, also known as the superoxide radical, is a molecule with the chemical formula O2−. It is an anion of oxygen where one of the oxygen atoms has an unpaired electron. This unpaired electron makes superoxide a free radical, meaning it is highly reactive and unstable. In biological systems, superoxide is a byproduct of normal metabolic processes, particularly during the transfer of electrons in the electron transport chain of cellular respiration. It is also generated by certain enzymes like xanthine oxidase and NADPH oxidase.

While superoxide plays a role in some cellular functions, such as signaling pathways and the immune response where it can be used by phagocytes to kill bacteria, its high reactivity can also lead to cellular damage. When superoxide radicals are produced in excess, they can initiate a cascade of oxidative stress, damaging DNA, proteins, and lipids. To counteract this, cells have antioxidant defense systems, including enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), which converts superoxide into molecular oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide can then be further detoxified by enzymes like catalase and glutathione peroxidase. The balance between superoxide production and its detoxification is crucial for maintaining cellular health.