The respiratory burst is a significant cellular response in phagocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, and mononuclear phagocytes) when exposed to certain stimuli. This response involves a marked increase in oxygen uptake, leading to the production of superoxide (O2-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The respiratory burst is not for energy production but for generating powerful microbicidal agents through the partial reduction of oxygen. The key enzyme responsible for this process is the membrane-associated pyridine nucleotide oxidase, which catalyzes the one-electron reduction of oxygen using NADPH as the electron donor. The respiratory burst is activated by various stimuli, including inflammatory mediators, and can be reversible and energy-dependent. The activation mechanisms are complex and involve multiple pathways, including changes in membrane phospholipids and protein phosphorylation. The respiratory burst produces oxidized halogens and oxidizing radicals, which are responsible for the rapid destruction of bacterial components and genetic mutation in both bacteria and mammalian cells. Phagocytes, with their respiratory burst, are considered potential carcinogens due to their ability to induce genetic mutations.The respiratory burst is a significant cellular response in phagocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, and mononuclear phagocytes) when exposed to certain stimuli. This response involves a marked increase in oxygen uptake, leading to the production of superoxide (O2-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The respiratory burst is not for energy production but for generating powerful microbicidal agents through the partial reduction of oxygen. The key enzyme responsible for this process is the membrane-associated pyridine nucleotide oxidase, which catalyzes the one-electron reduction of oxygen using NADPH as the electron donor. The respiratory burst is activated by various stimuli, including inflammatory mediators, and can be reversible and energy-dependent. The activation mechanisms are complex and involve multiple pathways, including changes in membrane phospholipids and protein phosphorylation. The respiratory burst produces oxidized halogens and oxidizing radicals, which are responsible for the rapid destruction of bacterial components and genetic mutation in both bacteria and mammalian cells. Phagocytes, with their respiratory burst, are considered potential carcinogens due to their ability to induce genetic mutations.