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Related Concept Videos

Radical Autoxidation01:20

Radical Autoxidation

The oxidation of an organic compound in the presence of air or oxygen is called autoxidation. For example, cumene reacts with oxygen to form hydroperoxide. Autoxidation involves initiation, propagation, and termination steps. Many organic compounds are susceptible to autoxidation—especially ethers in the presence of oxygen, which form hydroperoxides. Even though this reaction is slow, old ether bottles contain small amounts of peroxide, which leads to laboratory explosions during ether...
Bioactivation and Tissue Toxicity01:25

Bioactivation and Tissue Toxicity

Bioactivation is a metabolic process that transforms less reactive substances into highly reactive metabolites, initiating tissue toxicity. This transformation can lead to various toxic effects, including carcinogenesis and teratogenesis. Reactive metabolites are classified into two main types: electrophiles and free radicals.Electrophiles are electron-deficient species and are produced primarily by the enzyme cytochrome P-450 during the metabolism of compounds containing carbon, nitrogen, or...
Oxidation of Phenols to Quinones01:17

Oxidation of Phenols to Quinones

In the presence of oxidizing agents, phenols are oxidized to quinones. Quinones can be easily reduced back to phenols using mild reducing agents. The electron-donating hydroxyl group enhances the reactivity of the aromatic ring, enabling oxidation of the ring even in the absence of an α hydrogen.
o-hydroxy phenols are oxidized to o-quinones and p-hydroxy phenols to p-quinones. Such redox reactions involve the transfer of two electrons and two protons. The reversible redox property is crucial in...
Oxygen Requirements and Growth Patterns01:29

Oxygen Requirements and Growth Patterns

Microorganisms exhibit diverse oxygen requirements and growth patterns driven by their metabolic strategies and environmental adaptations. Oxygen, while essential for many organisms, can also be toxic under certain conditions, shaping how microorganisms grow and survive.Oxygen Requirements of MicroorganismsMicroorganisms are classified based on their ability to use or tolerate oxygen:● Obligate aerobes like Mycobacterium tuberculosis need oxygen for energy production, as it serves as the...
Peroxisomes01:24

Peroxisomes

Peroxisomes are specialized organelles present in fungi, plant, and animal cells. It can vary in number, size, morphology, and activity depending on the type of tissue and the nutritional state of the cell. For example, cells with active lipid metabolism, such as adipocytes, neurons, and hepatocytes, have more peroxisomes than other cells in the body. Besides their primary role in breaking down complex organic molecules, peroxisomes can also synthesize specific macromolecules and participate in...
Peroxisomes and Mitochondria01:30

Peroxisomes and Mitochondria

Peroxisomes and mitochondria are two important oxygen-utilizing organelles in eukaryotic cells. Mitochondria carry out cellular respiration—the process that converts energy from food into ATP. Peroxisomes carry out a variety of functions, primarily breaking down different substances, such as fatty acids.
The peroxisome is a single membrane-bound cellular organelle that can perform several different functions, including lipid metabolism and chemical detoxification. The enzymes within peroxisomes...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 2026

Detection of Nitric Oxide and Superoxide Radical Anion by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy from Cells using Spin Traps
13:21

Detection of Nitric Oxide and Superoxide Radical Anion by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy from Cells using Spin Traps

Published on: August 18, 2012

Peroxynitrite, a stealthy biological oxidant.

Rafael Radi1

  • 1From the Departamento de Bioquímica and Center for Free Radical and Biomedical Research, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, 11800 Montevideo, Uruguay.

The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|July 18, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Peroxynitrite, formed from nitric oxide and superoxide, causes cell death through oxidation and nitration. Antioxidants and synthetic compounds can neutralize this toxic molecule.

Keywords:
Free RadicalsNitric OxideOxidative StressPeroxynitriteSuperoxide Dismutase (SOD)Superoxide IonTyrosine Nitration

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Imaging Approaches to Assessments of Toxicological Oxidative Stress Using Genetically-encoded Fluorogenic Sensors
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Imaging Approaches to Assessments of Toxicological Oxidative Stress Using Genetically-encoded Fluorogenic Sensors

Published on: February 7, 2018

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Detection of Nitric Oxide and Superoxide Radical Anion by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy from Cells using Spin Traps
13:21

Detection of Nitric Oxide and Superoxide Radical Anion by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy from Cells using Spin Traps

Published on: August 18, 2012

Chemiluminescence-based Assays for Detection of Nitric Oxide and its Derivatives from Autoxidation and Nitrosated Compounds
08:23

Chemiluminescence-based Assays for Detection of Nitric Oxide and its Derivatives from Autoxidation and Nitrosated Compounds

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Imaging Approaches to Assessments of Toxicological Oxidative Stress Using Genetically-encoded Fluorogenic Sensors
09:33

Imaging Approaches to Assessments of Toxicological Oxidative Stress Using Genetically-encoded Fluorogenic Sensors

Published on: February 7, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Toxicology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Peroxynitrite is a reactive molecule formed from nitric oxide and superoxide radicals.
  • It possesses oxidizing and nucleophilic properties and generates secondary radicals like nitrogen dioxide.
  • Its biological significance lies in mediating nitric oxide and superoxide-dependent cytotoxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of peroxynitrite in cellular toxicity.
  • To understand its mechanisms of action, including mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death induction.
  • To explore its dual role as an endogenous toxicant and a defense mechanism against pathogens.

Main Methods:

  • The study focuses on the chemical properties and biological reactions of peroxynitrite.
  • It examines the impact of peroxynitrite on mitochondrial function.
  • It investigates the oxidation and nitration reactions mediated by peroxynitrite.

Main Results:

  • Peroxynitrite significantly contributes to nitric oxide- and superoxide-induced cytotoxicity.
  • It impairs mitochondrial function, leading to cell death.
  • It acts as both an endogenous toxicant and a cytotoxic agent against pathogens.

Conclusions:

  • Peroxynitrite is a key mediator of cellular damage and death.
  • Its biological effects are influenced by endogenous antioxidants.
  • Synthetic peroxynitrite scavengers show potential for therapeutic applications.