SUMMARY Recent research suggests that H 2 O 2 is a normal metabolite in both plants and animals and is not particularly cytotoxic. The impact of H 2 O 2 on cell metabolism is discussed with particular reference to photorespiration. Catalase may function by preventing the formation of excessive concentrations of H 2 O 2 and by using H 2 O 2 in the peroxidatic oxidation of compounds such as methanol and formic acid. Radicals (such as OH and O 2 ‐ ) and ‘excited’ oxygen are far more damaging to living organisms. The formation of these radicals in biological systems is described. Superoxide dismutase plays a key role in protection against such radicals, but glutathione peroxidase is also involved.
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