Reactive Oxygen Species, Oxidative Damage and Cell Death

Abstract

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are small and highly reactive oxygen-containing molecules. ROS, when maintained at proper cellular concentrations, may function as “redox messengers” and play a significant role in intracellular signaling and regulation. On the other hand, when concentrations are higher than the physiological concentration, these radicals may be deleterious resulting in oxidative stress which may cause cell damage and cell death. This chapter elaborates the processes of ROS production, its physiological role, and the role of oxidative stress in cell death.