Highly reactive oxygen molecules that are a by-product of normal metabolism.
Malignant cells that are the result of an unpaired “free” electron, which makes cells highly reactive and prone to disease.
Highly reactive molecules with an unpaired electron.
An unstable form of oxygen molecule (ROS) that can damage cells.
Unstable molecules, usually containing oxygen, created by normal chemical processes in the body as well as by radiation (especially x-rays) and other environmental influences. The interaction of free radicals with DNA and other macromolecules leads to impaired functioning of the cells. Free radicals may be an important factor in the development of cancer and other diseases.
Highly reactive molecules that can destroy tissues.
A damaging chemical, usually an oxidation by-product, that is thought to damage the lining of arteries and possibly play a role in causing cancer.
A highly reactive compound derived from air pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke, or the incomplete breakdown of proteins and fats; reacts with fats in cell membranes and changes their shape or function.
An atom or group of atoms that is very chemically active because it has an unpaired electron. Electrons usually revolve around the centre of an atom in pairs. When there is an unpaired electron, the atom attacks atoms in cells ‘looking for another electron’. This can result in damage to cells in the body and brain. Free radicals are formed in the presence of heat during cooking, exposure to radiation and pollution.
Free radicals are atoms or molecules with at least one unpaired electron. Unpaired electrons in the orbitals of atoms produce highly reactive species that promote oxidative damage. Lipid peroxide, superoxide, hydroxyl, and hydroperoxyl radicals are commonly produced in metabolism. Nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide are nitrogen-containing free radicals. Other reactive molecules include singlet oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, and many others.
Unpaired molecules that we’re exposed to through environmental pollutants; they can cause cellular damage.
Group of atoms acting as a single unit, but unable to exist independently for more than a short period of time; contains an oxygen atom with a free electron. Free radicals may cause damage to a wide variety of tissues. They are implicated in aging, brain damage, Alzheimer’s disease, and a variety of other conditions. These data form the basis for administration of antioxidant drugs and vitamins, which bind free radicals, eliminating them from the body.
Atoms or groups of atoms that can cause damage to cells.
A molecule containing an odd number of electrons. These molecules contain an open bond or a half bond and are highly reactive. The odd electron is represented in the chemical formula by a dot. If two radicals react, both are eliminated; if a radical reacts with a nonradical, another free radical is produced. This type of event may become a chain reaction. In ischemic injury to tissues (e.g., myocardial infarction), free radical production may play an important role at certain stages in the progression of the injury.
Unstable negatively charged molecules that are potentially damaging to the organs and tissues of the body. They are formed by the normal process of energy production within cells, as well as by pollution, toxins, and radiation. Antioxidant enzyme systems that occur within the body, as well as antioxidants from foods or supplements, protect against free radicals. Free radicals can also have beneficial properties as part of the immune response to destroying microbes.
Free radicals are singlet oxygen molecules that can produce tissue and cellular damage.
A short-lived chemical that can have detrimental effects on cells.
Unstable molecules that cause biochemical aging, especially wrinkling and sagging of the skin.
Substance formed during metabolism that attacks and damages proteins and lipids, in particular the cell membrane and DNA. Free radicals may lead to the development of diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and emphysema.
Highly reactive chemicals, which can accelerate aging, heart disease and cancer.
Highly reactive molecules that bind to and destroy cellular compounds.
Substances composed of individual atoms or collections of atoms that possess an uneven or unbalanced amount of electrons.
Unstable chemical entities synthesized endogenously within the corporeal vessel may trigger deleterious perturbations to pivotal cellular structures. The proliferation of free radicals, as they circulate in vivo, has been affiliated with the onset of numerous chronic infirmities and untimely senescence.
A molecular entity possessing an unpaired electron, known for its pronounced inclination to engage in reactions with other molecules present in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), proteins, and lipids (fats), consequently leading to cellular damage. The detrimental effects of free radicals are counteracted by antioxidants, which neutralize their activity.
Free radicals are extremely active molecules that attach to and harm body cells. These radicals can be generated due to external factors like smoke, sunlight, and food. Moreover, the body produces them mainly during metabolic chemical reactions. It is believed that they play a role in the gradual damage to body cells that accompanies aging, as well as in the onset of cancers and potentially heart disease. However, antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E can counteract free radicals and their detrimental effects.