Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test 2025 – Comprehensive Exam Prep

The superoxide dismutase enzyme system plays a crucial role in the human body's defense against oxidative stress by eliminating superoxide radicals, a type of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can cause damage to cells. Superoxide radicals are generated as byproducts of various metabolic processes, and if not regulated, they can lead to cellular injury and contribute to a variety of diseases.

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) catalyzes the conversion of superoxide radicals into hydrogen peroxide and oxygen. This reaction is vital because hydrogen peroxide can be further metabolized by other enzymes, such as catalase or peroxidase, into water and oxygen, thereby detoxifying the harmful superoxide radicals effectively. Thus, the superoxide dismutase enzyme system is fundamental in maintaining cellular health and preventing oxidative damage by eliminating superoxide radicals.

While the other options presented are also important in combating oxidative stress, they each target different types of reactive species or serve different purposes. The catalase enzyme system primarily breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. The peroxidase system generally detoxifies various peroxides but does not directly address superoxide radicals. The glutathione system primarily functions in protecting cells from a wide range of oxidative damage and helping to regenerate other antioxidants,