Biological Redox Systems: Concepts, Signaling, Oxidative Stress, and Therapeutic Strategies

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Biological Redox Systems An Overview of Key Concepts and Mechanisms By Pharm Adione Nnamdi Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry 1. Introduction • Biological redox systems are fundamental biochemical processes involving oxidation and reduction reactions. • They are critical to • cellular metabolism, • respiration, • biosynthesis, • detoxification, • energy production, and • disease progression. 2. Definition of Key Terms • Oxidation: Loss of electrons or increase in oxidation state. • Reduction: Gain of electrons or decrease in oxidation state. • Redox Reaction: A chemical reaction involving both oxidation and reduction. 3. Key Components • Electron donors and acceptors – molecules that lose or gain electrons (e.g O2 NADH, FADH2) • Enzymes – that catalyses redox reactions (e.g oxidoreductases) • Redox cofactors/co-enzymes (e.g NAD+/NADH, FAD/FADH2, and glutathione etc.) 4. Major Redox Systems in Biology • Major Redox Systems in Biology – Comprehensive Table 5. Major Redox Systems in Biology 6 Importance of Redox Reactions • Cellular respiration and • Energy (ATP) production • Detoxification • Biosynthesis • Helps in Cell signaling, growth and immune function 7. Redox...