SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE, CATALASE AND GLUTATHIONE PEROXIDASE: SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEMS OF LIVING WITH OXYGEN

Abstract

Recent research suggests that H2O2 is a normal metabolite in both plants and animals and is not particularly cytotoxic. The impact of H2O2 on cell metabolism is discussed with particular reference to photorespiration. Catalase may function by preventing the formation of excessive concentrations of H2O2 and by using H2O2 in the peroxidatic oxidation of compounds such as methanol and formic acid. Radicals (such as OH and O2‐) 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. Copyright © 1974, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved