The influence of redox reactions on toxicity is dual-faceted. On one hand, they enable the activation of pro-toxins into their active toxic forms. For instance, the redox cycling of quinones can produce reactive intermediates that bind to cellular macromolecules, leading to toxicity. On the other hand, redox reactions are crucial for the action of antioxidant defense systems that protect against oxidative damage. Enzymes like catalase and glutathione peroxidase utilize redox reactions to neutralize harmful ROS.
