PEROXYNITROUS ACIDS Meaning and
Definition
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Peroxynitrous acids, also referred to as peroxynitric acids, are a group of chemical compounds that belong to the family of reactive nitrogen species (RNS). These compounds are formed through the reaction of nitric oxide (NO) with superoxide (O2•-), resulting in the production of peroxynitrite (ONOO-). Peroxynitrite, in turn, rapidly undergoes protonation to generate peroxynitrous acids.
Peroxynitrous acids are highly reactive species with a short half-life, as they tend to rapidly decompose into various reactive intermediates. They are particularly known for their ability to induce oxidative damage to biological molecules, including lipids, proteins, and DNA. This oxidative stress can disrupt cellular functions and contribute to the development of numerous pathological conditions, such as inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular disorders.
These compounds can exert their biological effects through multiple mechanisms. Firstly, they can directly oxidize and modify biomolecules, leading to structural and functional alterations. Secondly, peroxynitrous acids can promote the formation of other harmful reactive species, such as hydroxyl radical (•OH), which can cause additional damage.
Due to their involvement in oxidative stress and disease processes, peroxynitrous acids have become an important focus of research in the fields of biochemistry, pharmacology, and medicine. Strategies aimed at modulating their production or scavenging their reactive intermediates may hold promise for the development of therapeutic interventions to mitigate oxidative stress-related diseases.
Common Misspellings for PEROXYNITROUS ACIDS
- oeroxynitrous acids
- leroxynitrous acids
- -eroxynitrous acids
- 0eroxynitrous acids
- pwroxynitrous acids
- psroxynitrous acids
- pdroxynitrous acids
- prroxynitrous acids
- p4roxynitrous acids
- p3roxynitrous acids
- peeoxynitrous acids
- pedoxynitrous acids
- pefoxynitrous acids
- petoxynitrous acids
- pe5oxynitrous acids
- pe4oxynitrous acids
- perixynitrous acids
- perkxynitrous acids
- perlxynitrous acids
- perpxynitrous acids
Etymology of PEROXYNITROUS ACIDS
The word "peroxynitrous" comes from a combination of two terms: "peroxy" and "nitrous".
The term "peroxy" is derived from the word "peroxide", which refers to a compound that contains an oxygen-oxygen single bond (-O-O-). "Peroxides" are often associated with reactive compounds and oxidative processes.
The term "nitrous" is derived from "nitric oxide" (NO), a chemical species consisting of a nitrogen atom and an oxygen atom. Nitric oxide is known for its role as a signaling molecule in the body.
When these two terms are combined, "peroxynitrous" refers to a compound that contains both a peroxide bond (-O-O-) and a nitric oxide (-NO) group.
