Glutathione: Structure, Function, and Importance

Glutathione is a tripeptide composed of glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine. It acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals and peroxides. Glutathione can be recycled in the body using NADPH. It also plays a role in detoxifying xenobiotics, such as pharmaceuticals and pesticides.

What is glutathione composed of?

• Four amino acids

• Three amino acids

• Two amino acids

• Five amino acids

Which amino acid in glutathione is crucial for its antioxidant function?

• Cysteine

• Glycine

• Lysine

• Glutamic acid

What is the abbreviation for glutathione?

• GTS

• GSH

• GTH

• GHS

Which group in cysteine is critical for glutathione's function?

• Hydroxyl group

• Amino group

• Carboxyl group

• Thio group

How does glutathione protect cells from oxidative damage?

• By donating protons

• By increasing temperature

• By absorbing light

• By neutralizing free radicals

What happens to glutathione when it reacts with an organic peroxide?

• It forms a peptide bond

• It loses its antioxidant properties

• It becomes a free radical

• It forms a disulfide bridge

What is the role of NADPH in the recycling of glutathione?

• It donates electrons to glutathione

• It breaks down glutathione

• It forms new glutathione molecules

• It oxidizes glutathione

What is a reducing agent?

• A molecule that releases protons

• A molecule that donates electrons

• A molecule that accepts electrons

• A molecule that absorbs light

What are xenobiotics?

• Proteins

• Essential nutrients

• Foreign substances in the body

• Natural substances in the body

Which of the following is NOT a function of glutathione?

• Antioxidant protection

• Detoxification of xenobiotics

• Protein synthesis

• Reducing agent