Oxygen and Free Radicals

University of Otago, Christchurch’s Christine Winterbourn (above) and Amelia Albrett are studying oxygen and free radicals. In particular, they’re looking at the process whereby our white blood cells generate superoxide to kill bacteria, a process which involves the generation of chlorine bleach by an enzyme, myeloperoxidase. Ruth Beran visits them in their temporary laboratory in Christchurch, to find out why her work could have implications for people with cystic fibrosis.