Textbook Question
___________ are small organic molecules that are required in minute amounts for metabolism.
1
views
Ch. 6 - Microbial Nutrition and Growth
Bauman6th EditionMicrobiology with Diseases by TaxonomyISBN: 9780134832302
Not the one you use?Change textbookSelect a different textbook
Table of contents
- Ch. 1 - A Brief History of Microbiology31
- Ch. 2 - The Chemistry of Microbiology28
- Ch. 3 - Cell Structure and Function39
- Ch. 4 - Microscopy, Staining, and Classification25
- Ch. 5 - Microbial Metabolism51
- Ch. 6 - Microbial Nutrition and Growth37
- Ch. 7 - Microbial Genetics51
- Ch. 8 - Recombinant DNA Technology21
- Ch. 9 - Controlling Microbial Growth in the Environment36
- Ch. 10 - Controlling Microbial Growth in the Body: Antimicrobial Drugs21
- Ch. 11 - Characterizing and Classifying Prokaryotes29
- Ch. 12 - Characterizing and Classifying Eukaryotes34
- Ch. 13 - Characterizing and Classifying Viruses, Viroids, and Prions23
- Ch. 14 - Infection, Infectious Diseases, and Epidemiology35
- Ch. 15 - Innate Immunity34
- Ch. 16 - Adaptive Immunity21
- Ch. 17 - Immunization and Immune Testing29
- Ch. 18 - Immune Disorders22
- Ch. 19 - Pathogenic Gram-Positive Bacteria25
- Ch. 20 - Pathogenic Gram-Negative Cocci and Bacilli28
- Ch. 21 - Rickettsias, Chlamydias, Spirochetes, and Vibrios25
- Ch. 22 - Pathogenic Fungi47
- Ch. 23 - Parasitic Protozoa, Helminths, and Arthropod Vectors44
- Ch. 24 - Pathogenic DNA Viruses23
- Ch. 25 - Pathogenic RNA Viruses30
- Ch. 26 - Applied and Industrial Microbiology29
- Ch. 27 - Microbial Ecology and Microbiomes22
Bauman6th EditionMicrobiology with Diseases by TaxonomyISBN: 9780134832302Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 6, Problem 3
Superoxide dismutase:
a. Causes hydrogen peroxide to become toxic
b. Detoxifies superoxide radicals
c. Neutralizes singlet oxygen
d. Is missing in aerobes
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in cellular metabolism, particularly in relation to reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Recall that superoxide radicals (O2•−) are harmful byproducts of oxygen metabolism that can damage cellular components.
Recognize that superoxide dismutase is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of superoxide radicals into less harmful molecules, specifically oxygen and hydrogen peroxide.
Note that hydrogen peroxide produced by SOD is further broken down by other enzymes like catalase or peroxidase to prevent toxicity.
Based on this understanding, identify which option correctly describes the function of superoxide dismutase.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
1mWas this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Superoxide Radicals
Superoxide radicals are reactive oxygen species (ROS) formed as byproducts of oxygen metabolism. They are highly reactive and can damage cellular components like DNA, proteins, and lipids, leading to oxidative stress.
Recommended video:
Guided course
04:43
Reactive Oxygen Species
Function of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)
Superoxide dismutase is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of superoxide radicals into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide, thereby detoxifying these harmful molecules and protecting cells from oxidative damage.
Recommended video:
Guided course
06:04Functional Groups
Role of Antioxidant Enzymes in Aerobes
Aerobic organisms produce antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase to neutralize reactive oxygen species generated during respiration. These enzymes are essential for survival in oxygen-rich environments.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:55Enzymes
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Describe the type of hemolysis shown by the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus pictured here.
1
views
Textbook Question
Why must media, vessels, and instruments be sterilized before they are used for microbiological procedures?
1
views
Textbook Question
The most reactive of the four toxic forms of oxygen is:
a. The hydroxyl radical
b. The peroxide anion
c. The superoxide radical
d. Singlet oxygen
1
views
Textbook Question
All cells recycle the essential element ___________ from amino acids and nucleotides.
2
views
Textbook Question
Explain quorum sensing, and describe how it is related to biofilm formation.
2
views