Final answer:
The enzymes involved in detoxifying toxic forms of oxygen include superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase. These enzymes help convert reactive oxygen species into less reactive molecules, thus protecting cells from oxidative damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are three main enzymes that play a crucial role in the detoxification of toxic forms of oxygen, which are known as reactive oxygen species (ROS). These enzymes are:
- Superoxide dismutase: Converts superoxide radicals into less harmful molecules.
- Catalase: Breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.
- Peroxidase: Catalyzes reactions that typically remove peroxides.
Superoxide dismutase is vital in converting superoxide radicals into molecular oxygen (O2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), while catalase further breaks down H2O2 into water (H2O) and O2 to prevent damage to cells. Peroxidase enzymes, with hydrogen peroxide as their substrate, are also pivotal in reducing the levels of peroxides that can otherwise be harmful to the cell.