Final answer:
Superoxide dismutase is the enzyme that would be most likely generated within cells subjected to oxidant stress to provide protection against the increased numbers of free radicals. It converts superoxide radicals into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a tissue preparation is subjected to oxidant stress and there are increased numbers of free radicals generated within the cells, the generation of the enzyme superoxide dismutase within these cells would most likely be protective. Superoxide dismutase is an enzyme that protects cells against superoxide radicals and prevents the formation of other active species of oxygen. It converts superoxide radicals into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide, which can then be further broken down by another enzyme called catalase.