Superoxides

**Definition:** Highly reactive compounds produced when oxygen is reduced by a single electron. In biological systems, they may be generated during the normal catalytic function of a number of enzymes and during the oxidation of hemoglobin to METHEMOGLOBIN. In living organisms, SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE protects the cell from the deleterious effects of superoxides.

**Tree numbers:** - D01.248.497.158.685.750.850 - D01.339.431.374.850 - D01.650.550.750.800 - D02.389.593.374.850

**Synonyms:** - Superoxide - Superoxide Anion - Superoxide Radical