An Interplay of Gases: Oxygen and Hydrogen in Biological Systems

Abstract

Produced by photosynthesis, oxygen (O2) is a fundamentally important gas in biological systems, playing roles as a terminal electron receptor in respiration and in host defence through the creation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Hydrogen (H2) plays a role in metabolism for some organisms, such as at thermal vents and in the gut environment, but has a role in controlling growth and development, and in disease states, both in plants and animals. It has been suggested as a medical therapy and for enhancing agriculture. However, the exact mode of action of H2 in biological systems is not fully established. Furthermore, there is an interrelationship between O2 and H2 in organisms. These gases may influence each other’s presence in solution, and may both interact with the same cellular components, such as haem prosthetic groups. It has also been suggested that H2 may affect the structures of some proteins, such as globins, with possible effects on O2 movement in organisms. Lastly, therapies may be based on supplying O2 and H2 together, such as with oxyhydrogen. Therefore, the relationship regarding how biological systems perceive and respond to both O2 and H2, and the interrelationship seen are worth considering, and will be discussed here.

Keywords

• globins
• haem
• haemoglobin
• hydrogen gas
• molecular hydrogen
• oxygen