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Glite Dictionary
superoxide dismutase

superoxide dismutase

6.8
A protein in cells that turns harmful superoxide into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide
  • noun
  • /ˌsuːpərˈaɪkɪd ˈdɪsmjʊˌteɪz/
  • Specialized
translation icon : superóxido dismutasa
  • A further finding in support of this hypothesis is that transgenic mice, which express mutant forms of human superoxide dismutase, developed a disease somewhat similar to MND.
  • superoxide dismutase and glutathione

Examples

  • This hypothesis is supported by the discovery of an association between familial MND and mutations in the copper-zinc superoxide dismutase gene on chromosome 21.

    Academic text (2000)

  • The superoxide radical is converted to hydrogen peroxide by superoxide dismutase.

    Academic text (2017)

  • Glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities were increased to varying degrees, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were reduced (Cao et al., 2008).

    Academic text (2015)

  • The enzyme superoxide dismutase plays a crucial role in protecting cells from oxidative damage by converting superoxide radicals into hydrogen peroxide and oxygen.

  • The function of superoxide dismutase is vital because it helps to prevent cellular damage caused by harmful superoxide radicals.

  • Researchers are studying how superoxide dismutase can be used to enhance the body's defense against oxidative stress-related diseases.

Synonyms

SOD
vssuperoxide dismutase
  • Specialized
4 7.9

An enzyme that protects cells by turning harmful oxygen molecules into safer forms

is the full scientific name rather than the short form

Surface Forms

superoxide dismutase singular
superoxide dismutases plural

Morphology

superoxide + dismutase

The compound is compositional: 'superoxide' names the substrate and 'dismutase' names the enzyme type that catalyzes dismutation. Given those constituent meanings a learner can infer it is an enzyme acting on superoxide to convert it into other products, and this chemical naming pattern is regular and predictable.

Etymology

Superoxide dismutase is named for what it does: it takes dangerous oxygen molecules called superoxide and changes them into normal oxygen and a milder chemical so they do less harm to the cell. The name parts superoxide, the harmful oxygen, and dismutase, a word for an enzyme that changes chemicals, help you remember it 'protects' cells from damage.