Generation of hydroxyl radicals by ferredoxin systems

All three ingredients were necessary for radical formation. Hydrogen peroxide greatly enhanced the yield, whilst catalase inhibited the OH adduct formation. The system was able to induce the oxidation of ethanol, and reaction rates agreed with those expected for OH radical attack. 

The results are especially important in showing that although the enzyme system itself does not produce OH radicals, it does produce H2O2 and this will seek out Fe(II) complexes even in very low concentrations. 

Studies of reactions such as those discussed above rest upon analytical techniques for the determination of metal ions. Some specific techniques are given below for the measurement of total iron levels, nonhaem iron and for haem iron. 

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