Superoksydowe

Superoksydowe, also known as superoxide ions or radicals, are chemical species with the formula O₂⁻. They are formed when a molecule of oxygen gains one electron. This addition results in a highly reactive molecule with an unpaired electron, making it a free radical. Superoxide is a significant player in various chemical and biological processes.

In biological systems, superoxide is primarily generated as a byproduct of normal metabolic processes, particularly during cellular respiration within mitochondria. It can also be produced by certain enzymes like NADPH oxidases. While often viewed as detrimental due to its reactivity, superoxide also has crucial roles. It is involved in immune responses, where phagocytic cells use it to combat invading pathogens. Furthermore, it acts as a signaling molecule, influencing cellular pathways.

The high reactivity of superoxide means it can readily interact with and damage other molecules, including DNA, proteins, and lipids. This damage contributes to oxidative stress, a condition linked to aging and numerous diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Organisms have evolved antioxidant defense systems to neutralize superoxide and other reactive oxygen species, including enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), which converts superoxide into molecular oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide can then be further detoxified by other enzymes.