Redox Biology and Electrochemistry. Towards Evaluation of Bioactive Electron Donors and Acceptors

In this Opinion, redox transformations of bioactive electron donors and electron acceptors, especially reactive electrophiles, are discussed. The mutual balance and their cooperative effects, together with an extensive battery of antioxidant/prooxidant enzymes, is responsible for maintaining the redox homeostasis of the cell. Electrochemical approaches play a key role in the investigation of these molecules, especially in research of their physico-chemical properties, their stability/reactivity and ability to interact with other cellular components such as nucleic acids, proteins (enzymes and cell receptors) and lipid membranes. The interaction of electron acceptors/donors is the basis for an understanding of highly complex and dynamic systems for homeostasis control and the cell response to stress conditions.