SOD2 (superoxide dismutase 2) is a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial protein associated with the mitochondrial pathway for detoxification of O2-.It generates nontoxic products by converting reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals which are produced as byproducts of normal cellular metabolism. Firstly, it alters superoxide to hydrogen peroxide and oxygen. In the next stage, peroxiredoxins and catalase enzyme convert hydrogen peroxide to molecular oxygen and water. It is essential for maintaining integrity of mitochondrial enzymes which are susceptible to direct inactivation by superoxide.
