Chapter 23.11, Problem 3QQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To identify the substance that takes care of ROS species that escape destruction through normal channels.

Concept introduction: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is the species that are formed from the ${\text{O}}_{\text{2}}$ inhaled through respiration. ${\text{O}}_{\text{2}}$ that is not utilized by the electron transport chain and phosphorylation process is used for the synthesis of reactive oxygen species. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) present in the human body are hydrogen peroxide $\left({\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}\right)$, superoxide ion $\left({\text{O}}_2^{-}\right)$, and hydroxyl radical $\left(\text{OH}\right)$.

ROS are important for the body but they have to be eliminated when they are not required as they are harmful when not needed.