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Singlet oxygen

Electronically excited oxygen with an electron promoted above its normal orbital.

Also: 1O2, Singlet molecular oxygen

Reactive form of O2 generated by photosensitization. Reacts with double bonds in lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids; quenched by carotenoids and tocopherols.

How one textbook covers it

  • Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism, 8th ed. (Gropper)Glossary

    Reactive form of O2 generated by photosensitization. Reacts with double bonds in lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids; quenched by carotenoids and tocopherols.

Related terms

Free radical, Quenching