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Fig. 2. The generation of ROS by mitochondria. Electrons released from mitochondria reduce oxygen molecules, thereby producing such ROS as superoxides (O2-). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) catalyzes H2O2 formation from superoxides. H2O2 might be deactivated by catalase (CAT). However, when H2O2 reacts with iron or copper ions, hydroxyl radicals (OH•), the most reactive form of ROS, are produced. Excessive antioxidants (AO) can inhibit production of O2- and other ROS.
