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SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE, CATALASE AND GLUTATHIONE PEROXIDASE: SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEMS OF LIVING WITH OXYGEN
Author(s) -
Halliwell B.
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8137.1974.tb02137.x
Subject(s) - superoxide dismutase , catalase , chemistry , radical , photorespiration , peroxidase , biochemistry , formic acid , reactive oxygen species , dismutase , glutathione peroxidase , antioxidant , oxygen , glutathione , enzyme , organic chemistry
SUMMARY Recent research suggests that H 2 O 2 is a normal metabolite in both plants and animals and is not particularly cytotoxic. The impact of H 2 O 2 on cell metabolism is discussed with particular reference to photorespiration. Catalase may function by preventing the formation of excessive concentrations of H 2 O 2 and by using H 2 O 2 in the peroxidatic oxidation of compounds such as methanol and formic acid. Radicals (such as OH and O 2 ‐ ) and ‘excited’ oxygen are far more damaging to living organisms. The formation of these radicals in biological systems is described. Superoxide dismutase plays a key role in protection against such radicals, but glutathione peroxidase is also involved.