Mitochondrial Antioxidants and the Maintenance of Cellular Hydrogen Peroxide Levels

Figure 4

The proton gradient plays a central role in the cellular ROS stabilizing function of the mitochondria. Carbon oxidation forms the electron carriers, NADH and UQH₂, which are then oxidized by the electron transport chain. Electron flow creates a proton motive force which is tapped by transhydrogenase for the provision of NADPH for antioxidant defenses which degrades cellular H₂O₂ signals.