How do the oxidized and reduced forms of glutathione differ from each other?

Reduced Glutathione (GSH) is an important molecule in our cells. It's made from three amino acids: glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. The key to GSH's power is the thiol group (-SH) on the cysteine amino acid. This group can donate an electron or hydrogen atom, which makes it a strong reducing agent.

When GSH gives up this electron, it helps neutralize harmful molecules called free radicals. This action protects cells from oxidative damage. Think of GSH like a superhero, fighting off the bad guys to keep your cells safe!

If there's too much oxidative stress and not enough GSH, cells can get damaged. So, GSH is crucial for maintaining the balance in our cells and keeping them healthy.

Oxidized Glutathione (GSSG) is what GSH becomes after it does its superhero work. When GSH donates an electron to fight off oxidative stress, it pairs up with another GSH molecule. This pairing forms a disulfide bond (-S-S-), creating GSSG.

In GSSG, the thiol groups on the cysteine residues of two GSH molecules bond together. This form is not active as an antioxidant. It’s like the superhero twins holding hands, waiting to be ready for action again.

To convert back to its active form (GSH), the cell uses an enzyme called glutathione reductase. This enzyme helps break the disulfide bond, turning GSSG back into two GSH molecules, ready to fight oxidative stress again.

Antioxidants are molecules that help protect cells from damage. They do this by neutralizing free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause harm. Reduced glutathione (GSH) is one of these vital antioxidants.

Free radicals are produced during normal cell activities and can also come from environmental factors like pollution or UV rays. If free radicals accumulate, they can lead to oxidative stress, damaging cells and causing diseases.

GSH combats this by donating electrons to neutralize free radicals, preventing them from causing harm. This function is critical for our health, as it helps prevent chronic diseases and supports our immune system.

Without enough antioxidants like GSH, our bodies would have difficulty fighting off the damage and staying healthy.