Free Radical
Free Radical
Free Radical
contains one or more unpaired electrons in its outer orbital.It is an electron-deficient species.It is
represented by a superscript dot to the right.(R●)
6 Important characteristics
Free radicals are:Highly reactive.Unstable and try to become stable.Short life span ( Short-lived ) as
they tend to catch an electron from other molecules.
20 AntioxidantsSubstances that are able to neutralize reactive molecules and reduce oxidative
damage.Result of metabolic processes and environmental sources.Certain antioxidant vitamins
donate their electrons or hydrogen molecules to free radicals to stabilize them.Antioxidant minerals
function within complex antioxidant enzyme systems that convert free radicals to less damageing
substances that are excreted by our bodies. These enzymes also break down fatty acids that have
become oxidized. In breaking down the fatty acids they destroy the free radicals associated with the
oxidized fatty acids.SOD – converts free radicals to hydrogen peroxidecatalase – removes hydrogen
peroxide from our bodies by converting it to water and hydrogenglutathione peroxidase – also
removes hydrogen peroxide and stops the production of free radicals in lipidsAntioxidants, vit E, C
possibly A, beta-carotene and seleniumCopper zinc and manganese are part of SOD.Iron cofactor
for catalase antioxidant enzymeEnvironmental - air pollution, cigarette smokeEither act as
antioxidant or are part of enxyme that does (Zn, Cu, Mn)
25 Many of the changes associated with aging are actually due to the effects of free-radicals.
As we age, the antioxidant enzyme systems work less efficiently.
32 SummaryOne of the most significant sites of free radical damage is the cell membrane. May
affect all systems affected by this cell.Other sites of damage include LDL, cell proteins and our
genetic material (DNA). May increase our risk for heart disease and cancer and cause our cells to
die prematurely.
33 ConclusionAntioxidant plays an important role to prevent cancer, and other disease. They also
have role in slowing aging process and preventing heart disease. So antioxidant are very much
necessary for our body .But our body can’t manufacture these chemicals, so they must be supplied
through diet.