Final answer:
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) breaks down the free radical of oxygen, superoxide anion, into hydrogen peroxide and molecular oxygen. It plays a crucial role in detoxifying reactive oxygen species in the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an enzyme that breaks down the free radical of oxygen, known as superoxide anion (O₂¯). The reaction catalyzed by SOD converts superoxide anion into hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and molecular oxygen (O₂). The equation for the reaction is: 2O₂¯ + 2H⁺ ⟶ H₂O₂ + O₂. SOD plays a crucial role in detoxifying reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body, which can cause damage to cells and DNA.