Fig. 1: Generation of Active Oxygen Species from Atomic Oxygen.
From: Space-driven ROS in cells: a hidden danger to astronaut health and food safety
This image illustrates the intriguing transformation of atomic oxygen into a diverse array of active oxygen species. A Atomic oxygen with two unpaired electrons in separate orbitals, making it highly reactive. B Formation of the superoxide radical (•O2−) through the addition of one electron. C Conversion of superoxide into hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) through dismutation. D Breakdown of hydrogen peroxide into hydroxyl radicals (•OH) via the Fenton reaction. E Further transformation of ROS into singlet oxygen (¹O2) and peroxyl radicals (ROO•). F Interaction of ROS with biomolecules, leading to oxidative stress and cellular damage.
