Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are highly reactive molecules formed as a natural byproduct of oxygen metabolism. They include free radicals like superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, and non-radical species like hydrogen peroxide. While they play roles in cell signaling and homeostasis, excessive ROS can lead to oxidative stress, damaging DNA, proteins, and lipids, which is a common pathway in the toxicity of numerous chemicals, including lead and mercury.
