Hydrogen Peroxide

Definition

Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound often used as a disinfectant or bleaching agent, and it plays a role in biological processes as a signaling molecule related to oxidative stress.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a reactive oxygen species that functions as a signaling molecule, influencing various signal transduction pathways. It is produced in living organisms primarily as a by-product of aerobic metabolism and is involved in oxidative stress affecting cellular homeostasis.

Benefits

• Acts as a signaling molecule in biological systems
• Plays a role in the immune response to fight infections

Examples

• Produced in small amounts during cellular respiration
• Present in wound cleaning solutions

Additional Information

• Effects: Hydrogen peroxide can cause oxidative damage to cells if not regulated by antioxidants such as catalase and glutathione peroxidase.

Related Terms

• Reactive Oxygen Species
• Oxidative Stress
• Free Radicals
• Antioxidants

References

• The role of hydrogen peroxide as a signaling molecule in endothelial cells
• Hydrogen peroxide: A key mediator of oxidative stress and cardiovascular homeostasis