Question

which of the following are highly reactive, toxic byproducts of oxygen metabolism? more than one answer may be
hydroxyl radical (oh¯)
molecular oxygen (o₂)
carbon dioxide (co₂)
hydrogen peroxide (h₂o₂)
ozone (o₃)
water (h₂o)
superoxide ion (o₂¯)

Explanation:

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are by - products of oxygen metabolism. Superoxide ion (\(O_2^-\)), hydrogen peroxide (\(H_2O_2\)), and hydroxyl radical (\(OH^-\)) are highly reactive ROS. Water (\(H_2O\)) is a stable molecule. Ozone (\(O_3\)) is not a by - product of normal oxygen metabolism in cells. Carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)) is a stable end - product of cellular respiration (not a reactive by - product of oxygen metabolism in the context of ROS). Molecular oxygen (\(O_2\)) is the starting material for oxygen metabolism, not a highly reactive by - product in the sense of ROS (it is relatively stable compared to ROS like superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical).

Answer:

Superoxide ion (\(O_2^-\)), Hydrogen peroxide (\(H_2O_2\)), Hydroxyl radical (\(OH^-\))