Final answer:
Reduced glutathione neutralizes H₂O₂ by acting as a reducing agent and is oxidized in the process, showcasing its role in protecting against oxidative stress.
Step-by-step explanation:
The role of reduced glutathione in neutralizing H₂O₂ is that it acts as a reducing agent. By donating electrons to H₂O₂, reduced glutathione effectively breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water. This chemical reaction prevents the potential damage H₂O₂ could cause to cells by reducing it to a less reactive species. Reduced glutathione becomes oxidized to form oxidized glutathione, thereby fulfilling the role of an antioxidant within the body. Understanding these redox reactions is essential because it illuminates how substances like reduced glutathione can protect biological systems from oxidative stress.
The role of reduced glutathione in neutralizing H₂O₂ is that it acts as a reducing agent. In this process, the reduced glutathione donates electrons to the hydrogen peroxide, causing the peroxide to be neutralized. As a result, the reduced glutathione is oxidized to form oxidized glutathione.