Q3 of 52 Page 49

Why is nascent oxygen supported to be toxic to aerobic life forms?

Nascent oxygen is a highly reactive substance; it is a permanent oxidising agent. It can easily react with various kinds of molecules like DNA, proteins present in the aerobic life forms.

This reaction will lead to unwanted mutation which may threaten the aerobic life forms.


Like if it reacts with DNA it can lead to mutation and defective proteins. Similarly if it reacts with proteins and enzymes they are degraded and many metabolic pathways may be impaired.


So, nascent oxygen supported to be toxic to aerobic life forms.


More from this chapter

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1

Louis Pasteur’s experiments, if you recall, proved that life can arise from only pre-existing life. Can we correct this as life evolves from pre-existent life or otherwise we will never answer the question as to how the first forms of life arose? Comment.

 2

The scientists believe that evolution is gradual. But extinction, part of evolutionary story, is 'sudden' and 'abrupt' and also group-specific. Comment whether a natural disaster can be the cause for extinction of species.

 4

While creation and presence of variation is directionless, natural selection is directional as it is in the context of adaptation. Comment.

 5

The evolutionary story of moths in England during industrialisation reveals, that 'evolution is apparently reversible'. Clarify this statement.