superoxides
Oxygen with extra electron
Superoxides are chemical compounds containing the superoxide ion, which has one extra electron compared to ordinary oxygen.
These highly reactive substances form when alkali metals like potassium or sodium combine with oxygen: potassium superoxide.
In biology, superoxide radicals are byproducts of cellular respiration that can damage tissues if not neutralized by antioxidants.
Negatively charged ion
- potassiumNineteenth element, symbol K
- sodiumEleventh element, highly reactive
- lithiumLightest solid element
- redoxElectron transfer chemistry
electrons · ions · valence · salts · metallic · solvation · stabilization · catalysis
Cell's energy-producing organelles
- antioxidantsSubstances counteracting oxidative damage
- scavengerSeeker of refuse
- inflammationProtective tissue response
- metabolismCellular nutrient conversion
glutathione · catalase · peroxidase · toxicity · aging · pathology · phagocytes · apoptosis
Prone to sudden change
- reactiveTending to respond
- corrosiveDestroys by chemical action
- vigorousHaving great physical energy
- exothermicReleasing energy as heat
decomposition · hazardous · flammable · combustible · volatile · sensitivity · oxidizing · radical
Gas exchange in organisms
- aerobicRequiring free oxygen
- cytochromeHeme protein transferring electrons
- hemoglobinErythrocyte's oxygen-binding protein
- ischemiaInsufficient tissue blood supply
anion
Negatively charged ion
- potassiumNineteenth element, symbol K
- sodiumEleventh element, highly reactive
- lithiumLightest solid element
redox · electrons · ions · valence · salts · metallic · solvation · stabilization · catalysis · electrolyte
mitochondria
Cell's energy-producing organelles
- antioxidantsSubstances counteracting oxidative damage
- scavengerSeeker of refuse
- inflammationProtective tissue response
metabolism · glutathione · catalase · peroxidase · toxicity · aging · pathology · phagocytes · apoptosis · signaling
unstable
Prone to sudden change
exothermic · decomposition · hazardous · flammable · combustible · volatile · sensitivity · oxidizing · radical · paramagnetic
respiration
Gas exchange in organisms
- aerobicRequiring free oxygen
- cytochromeHeme protein transferring electrons
- hemoglobinErythrocyte's oxygen-binding protein
superoxidesperoxides
Compounds with O-O bonds
oxides · hydroxides · water · ozone