Which component directly eliminates superoxide radicals in S. mutans?

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Multiple Choice

Which component directly eliminates superoxide radicals in S. mutans?

Explanation:
Superoxide dismutase directly removes superoxide radicals. It catalyzes the dismutation of two superoxide anions into hydrogen peroxide and oxygen: 2 O2− + 2 H+ → H2O2 + O2. This is the immediate step that eliminates the reactive superoxide species. The hydrogen peroxide produced is then dealt with by catalase or peroxidase, which break down H2O2 into water and oxygen. Other enzymes like alkyl hydroperoxide reductase act on hydroperoxides rather than on superoxide itself. So the enzyme that directly targets superoxide is superoxide dismutase.

Superoxide dismutase directly removes superoxide radicals. It catalyzes the dismutation of two superoxide anions into hydrogen peroxide and oxygen: 2 O2− + 2 H+ → H2O2 + O2. This is the immediate step that eliminates the reactive superoxide species. The hydrogen peroxide produced is then dealt with by catalase or peroxidase, which break down H2O2 into water and oxygen. Other enzymes like alkyl hydroperoxide reductase act on hydroperoxides rather than on superoxide itself. So the enzyme that directly targets superoxide is superoxide dismutase.

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