1. Electron transfer reactions in endoplasmic reticulum: Free radical production, lipid peroxidation, covalent binding and cell division
- Author
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Mario U. Dianzani, John E. Packer, K H Cheeseman, Mustaq Ahmed, Robin L. Willson, Trevor F. Slater, and Chiara Benedetto
- Subjects
Enzyme complex ,Cell division ,Chemistry ,Endoplasmic reticulum ,Condensed Matter Physics ,Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics ,Lipid peroxidation ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Membrane ,Biochemistry ,Covalent bond ,Radiolysis ,Physical and Theoretical Chemistry ,Lipid bilayer - Abstract
The activation of carbon tetrachloride to a free radical product (CCl3) by the NADPH-cytochrome P450 enzyme complex is used as an example to discuss aspects of electron flow in liver endoplasmic reticulum. The CCl3 free radical may bind covalently to neighboring molecules, or may react rapidly with molecular oxygen to yield the highly reactive CCI3O2 species. The kineties of reaction of this radical with various substances have been measured using pulse radiolysis techniques. The production of such a reactive radical in the lipid membrane may result in lipid peroxidation. This is a degradative reaction associated with the formation of a number of pharmacologically active materials. Lipid peroxidation is often much reduced in endoplasmic reticulum from cancer cells, and electron transfer reactions in such membranes can be severely disturbed. Some ideas leading to further experimentation in these areas are presented.
- Published
- 2009
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