Scientists reveal elusive inner workings of antioxidant enzyme with therapeutic potential (IMAGE)

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Scientists reveal elusive inner workings of antioxidant enzyme with therapeutic potential

Caption

The mitochondria in human cells depend on manganese superoxide dismutase to keep the amount of harmful reactive oxygen molecules under control. Researchers have now obtained a complete atomic portrait of the enzyme, providing key information about the catalytic mechanism within its active site, situated between the green and blue subunits and the yellow and pink subunits.

Credit

ORNL/Jill Hemman

Usage Restrictions

None

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.