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AAT Bioquest

Why are reactive oxygen species (ROS) bad?

Posted May 18, 2020


Answer

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive and can damage all macromolecules, including lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. A balance in the ROS levels for homeostasis is required for a healthy body. Excessive amounts of ROS can cause oxidative stress, triggering cell apoptosis and leading to aging as well as pathologies ranging from autoimmune diseases to cardiomyopathies.

Additional resources

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)

ROS Detection: ROS probe selection guide

Patel, R., Rinker, L., Peng, J., & Chilian, W. M. (2018). Reactive Oxygen Species: The Good and the Bad. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in Living Cells. doi:10.5772/intechopen.71547

Cell Meter™ Fluorimetric Intracellular Total ROS Activity Assay Kit*Orange Fluorescence*