Oxygen stress and superoxide dismutases are critical for managing the toxic effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in aerobic organisms. The accumulation of dioxygen in Earth's atmosphere enabled the evolution of aerobic life, but also introduced challenges due to the production of harmful ROS such as superoxide radicals (·O₂⁻), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and hydroxyl radicals (·OH). These species can damage cellular components, DNA, and lead to cell death. Plants, in particular, face significant oxidative stress due to their stationary lifestyle and dual role in both producing and consuming oxygen. Superoxide dismutases (SODs) are key enzymes that neutralize superoxide radicals by converting them into hydrogen peroxide and oxygen. SODs exist in various forms, including Cu/ZnSOD, MnSOD, and FeSOD, each with distinct cellular locations and functions. Plants have multiple SOD isozymes, which may have different roles in response to environmental stresses. SOD activity increases under various stress conditions, such as exposure to herbicides, ozone, and drought, suggesting a protective role in oxidative stress response. The regulation of SOD expression is crucial for maintaining cellular balance against ROS. Genetic studies have shown that SOD genes are responsive to oxidative stress, with changes in gene expression and protein levels observed in response to various environmental factors. Transgenic experiments have demonstrated that plant SODs can protect yeast cells from oxidative stress, highlighting the importance of SOD in cellular defense mechanisms. Despite the known roles of SODs, the molecular mechanisms underlying their regulation and the specific functions of different isozymes remain areas of active research. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for developing strategies to enhance plant tolerance to oxidative stress and reduce cellular damage. The study of SODs provides insights into the broader context of antioxidant defense systems and their importance in maintaining cellular homeostasis in aerobic organisms.Oxygen stress and superoxide dismutases are critical for managing the toxic effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in aerobic organisms. The accumulation of dioxygen in Earth's atmosphere enabled the evolution of aerobic life, but also introduced challenges due to the production of harmful ROS such as superoxide radicals (·O₂⁻), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and hydroxyl radicals (·OH). These species can damage cellular components, DNA, and lead to cell death. Plants, in particular, face significant oxidative stress due to their stationary lifestyle and dual role in both producing and consuming oxygen. Superoxide dismutases (SODs) are key enzymes that neutralize superoxide radicals by converting them into hydrogen peroxide and oxygen. SODs exist in various forms, including Cu/ZnSOD, MnSOD, and FeSOD, each with distinct cellular locations and functions. Plants have multiple SOD isozymes, which may have different roles in response to environmental stresses. SOD activity increases under various stress conditions, such as exposure to herbicides, ozone, and drought, suggesting a protective role in oxidative stress response. The regulation of SOD expression is crucial for maintaining cellular balance against ROS. Genetic studies have shown that SOD genes are responsive to oxidative stress, with changes in gene expression and protein levels observed in response to various environmental factors. Transgenic experiments have demonstrated that plant SODs can protect yeast cells from oxidative stress, highlighting the importance of SOD in cellular defense mechanisms. Despite the known roles of SODs, the molecular mechanisms underlying their regulation and the specific functions of different isozymes remain areas of active research. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for developing strategies to enhance plant tolerance to oxidative stress and reduce cellular damage. The study of SODs provides insights into the broader context of antioxidant defense systems and their importance in maintaining cellular homeostasis in aerobic organisms.