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superoxide dismutase
superoxide dismutase (SOD) A widely distributed enzyme that removes the superoxide radical (O2·), with the formation of molecular oxygen and hydrogen peroxide, in the following reaction: O2· + O2· + 2H+ → O2 + H2O2
The hydrogen peroxide formed is removed by the action of catalase. The superoxide anion, which damages tissues, is a free radical formed by the partial reduction of molecular oxygen; it is produced during the metabolic breakdown of various toxins (including drugs and chemical poisons) and as part of the immune response to the presence of bacteria and virus-infected cells. |
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"superoxide dismutase." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "superoxide dismutase." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-superoxidedismutase.html "superoxide dismutase." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-superoxidedismutase.html |
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superoxide dismutase
superoxide dismutase (SOD) Enzyme that converts the superoxide radical to hydrogen peroxide; sometimes promoted as having useful antioxidant properties, but would be ineffective taken by mouth since it is a protein and will be digested.
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Cite this article
DAVID A. BENDER. "superoxide dismutase." A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. DAVID A. BENDER. "superoxide dismutase." A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (May 29, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O39-superoxidedismutase.html DAVID A. BENDER. "superoxide dismutase." A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. 2005. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O39-superoxidedismutase.html |
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