Superoxide Anion (Noun)
Meaning
The univalent anion O2-; "much of the O2 supporting cellular respiration is reduced to the superoxide anion O2-".
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- The superoxide anion is a highly reactive species that can cause oxidative damage to cellular components.
- Superoxide anion is generated as a byproduct of the electron transport chain during cellular respiration.
- The enzyme superoxide dismutase catalyzes the dismutation of the superoxide anion into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide.
- In the presence of transition metals, the superoxide anion can be converted into even more reactive species, such as hydroxyl radicals.
- The production of superoxide anion is increased in response to various forms of cellular stress, including hypoxia and exposure to toxins.