Abstract: A novel analog of human superoxide dismutase which comprises the non-acetylated, non-glycosylated form of natural human superoxide dismutase having the ser-met amino acid sequence attached to the N-terminus and a mixture comprising this analog and non-acetylated, non-glycosylated superoxide dismutase having an amino acid sequence identical to that of natural human superoxide dismutase are provided. Methods of catalyzing a chemical reaction using the novel analog and mixture are provided.

Abstract: An improved plasmid for the production of superoxide dismutase on an analog thereof which upon introduction into a suitable host containing the thermolabile repressor C.sub.I renders the host capable of effecting expression of a gene encoding superoxide dismutase or the analog. The plasmid is a double-stranded DNA molecule which includes in 5' to 3' order the following: the promoter and operator P.sub.L O.sub.L from lambda bacteriophage; the N utilization site; a first restriction enzyme site permitting replacement of the ribosomal binding site which follows thereafter; a ribosomal binding site; an ATG initiation codon; a second restriction enzyme site; a gene encoding superoxide dismutase or the analog; an origin of replication and a gene associated with a selectable or identifiable phenotypic trait manifested when the plasmid is present in the host. The distance between the 3' end of P.sub.L O.sub.L and the 5' end of the N utilization site is less than about 80 base pairs.

Abstract: An improved plasmid for the production of superoxide dismutase which upon introduction into a host containing the thermolabile repressor C.sub.I renders the host capable of effecting expression of a gene encoding superoxide dismutase. The plasmid which includes in 5' to 3' order the following: the promoter and operator P.sub.L O.sub.L from lambda bacteriophage; the N utilization site; a first restriction enzyme site permitting replacement of the ribosomal binding site which follows thereafter; a ribosomal binding site; an ATG initiation codon; a second restriction enzyme site; a gene encoding superoxide dismutase; an origin of replication and a gene associated with a selectable or identifiable phenotypic trait manifested when the plasmid is present in the host. The distance between the 3' end of P.sub.L O.sub.L and the 5' end of the N utilization site is less than about 80 base pairs.