Answer to Question #309740 in Cell Biology for PKD

Question

Can you explain why a certain amount of Reactive oxygen species (ROS) could be beneficial (mitohormesis concept) despite larger quantities being harmful?

Answer 1

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) serve as cell signaling molecules for normal biologic processes. However, the generation of ROS can also provoke damage to multiple cellular organelles and processes, which can ultimately disrupt normal physiology.