All are antioxidant except –
**Core Concept**
Antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. They can neutralize or mop up free radicals, thereby preventing cell damage. Antioxidants can be enzymes, vitamins, or amino acids that exhibit antioxidant properties.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Glutamine is not an antioxidant. While it is an amino acid that can be converted to glutamate, which can then be used to synthesize glutathione (a potent antioxidant), glutamine itself does not possess antioxidant properties. In contrast, Vitamin A is a crucial antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals. Catalase is an enzyme that catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, thereby preventing oxidative damage. Cysteine is an amino acid that can be incorporated into glutathione, a key antioxidant in the body.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Vitamin A is indeed an antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals.
**Option B:** Catalase is an enzyme that catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, thereby preventing oxidative damage.
**Option C:** Cysteine is an amino acid that can be incorporated into glutathione, a key antioxidant in the body.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Antioxidants like Vitamin A, catalase, and cysteine play a vital role in protecting cells from oxidative damage, which can lead to various diseases, including cancer, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative disorders. Understanding the antioxidant properties of these molecules is crucial in developing strategies to prevent and treat these diseases.
**β Correct Answer: D. Glutamine Glutamine is not an antioxidant.**