The Ambiguous Aspects of Oxygen

For most living beings, oxygen is an essential molecule for survival, being the basis of biological oxidations, which satisfy energy needs aerobic organisms. Oxygen can also behave as a toxic agent posing threat to existence beings since it give rise reactive species (ROS) that oxidise macromolecules, among proteins and lipids are preferred targets. Oxidative damage induce cell, tissue, organ dysfunction, leads severe body even death. The survival organism depends on development elaborate antioxidant defence system adapted normal level atmospheric oxygen. production ROS in occur accidentally from exposure pollutants or radiation, but occurs constantly during metabolic reactions. Cells have evolved using their advantage. Indeed, used signalling molecules numerous physiological processes, including muscle contraction, regulation insulin release, adaptation environmental changes. Therefore, supplementation with antioxidants must be wisely. A low so excess harmful. Conversely, conditions where increases, useful avoid cellular dysfunction.