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Superoxide radical

Oxygen-centered free radical.

Also: O2•-

Produced when O2 accepts one electron, especially from electron-transport-chain leakage. Detoxified by superoxide dismutases to H2O2, which is then handled by catalase or glutathione peroxidase.

How one textbook covers it

  • Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism, 8th ed. (Gropper) — Glossary

    Produced when O2 accepts one electron, especially from electron-transport-chain leakage. Detoxified by superoxide dismutases to H2O2, which is then handled by catalase or glutathione peroxidase.

Related terms

Free radical, Hydroxyl radical, Peroxynitrite