Generation of Superoxide Anions and Hydrogen Peroxide from β-Lapachone in Bacteria

Abstract
.beta.-Lapachone markedly increased the generation of superoxide anions and H2O2 by subcellular membranes of Bacillus subtilis and B. stearothermophilus. Peroxide generation by .beta.-lapachone was parallel to the inhibition of growth in both microorganisms.