Glutathione is an important antioxidant, preventing damage to our cells caused by reactive oxygen species, heavy metals and other influences. It also can serve as a neurotransmitter and signalling molecule. Hermit crabs associate glutathione with food and potentially use it to locate their next meal. The colourful charge distribution with red indicating positive, green neutral and blue negative charge shows how distinct the distribution of charge can be. This charge signature can be important to understand the molecule’s interaction with other molecules and receptors.
For further information:
Our paper on ocean acidification effects on signalling molecules