Reperfusion of ischemic tissue, particularly after myocardial ischemia, can lead to further cellular damage. This 'reperfusion injury' is primarily mediated by which of the following mechanisms?

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

Reperfusion injury is largely attributed to the sudden reintroduction of oxygen, leading to the generation of highly damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS) that overwhelm cellular antioxidant defenses, causing further cell membrane and mitochondrial damage.