Manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2) is a matrix enzyme expressed in mitochondria. SOD2 is a known free radical scavenger, and has been shown to play a role in several nervous system diseases.

The new research shows that production of the vital forms of manganese requires that the fungi and bacteria be actively producing superoxide.

So creating conditions that encourage the organisms to make the superoxide could be the first step in a pathway by which they help manganese to literally do the dirty work.