What is a free radical in simple terms?
Listen to pronunciation. (free RA-dih-kul) A type of unstable molecule that is made during normal cell metabolism (chemical changes that take place in a cell). Free radicals can build up in cells and cause damage to other molecules, such as DNA, lipids, and proteins.
What is free radicals in the body?
Free radicals are oxygen-containing molecules with an uneven number of electrons. The uneven number allows them to easily react with other molecules. Free radicals can cause large chain chemical reactions in your body because they react so easily with other molecules. These reactions are called oxidation.
How are free radicals formed in the body?
When cells use oxygen to generate energy, free radicals are created as a consequence of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production by the mitochondria. These by-products are generally reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as reactive nitrogen species (RNS) that result from the cellular redox process.
What is a radical with example?
In chemistry, a radical is an atom, molecule, or ion that has an unpaired valence electron. A notable example of a radical is the hydroxil ( HO.) group, a molecule that has one unpaired electron on the oxygen atom.
What are free radicals explanation for kids?
A free radical is a molecule with an unpaired electron (Afzal & Armstrong, 2002). The molecule is reactive and seeks another electron to pair. Free radicals are involved in the mechanisms of damage associated with disease development (Rice-Evans, 1999).
Are free radicals good or bad for you?
Damage to DNA by free radicals can result in mutations and promote cancer. Free radicals can also oxidise low-density lipoprotein or LDL (“bad” cholesterol), making it more likely to get trapped on the artery walls, clogging blood vessels and leading to cardiovascular disease.
What foods have free radicals?
Some foods are a major source of free radicals and should be consumed moderately or not at all including:
- High GI Foods. Avoid high glycemic foods like refined sugar and carbohydrates as they are likely to produce free radicals.
- Processed Meats.
- Red Meat.
- Alcohol.
- Cooking Oil.
- Other Sources of Free Radicals.
- Vegetables.
- Fruit.
What are the benefits of free radicals?
The body can uses free radicals for good. This includes killing pathogens and regulating cell growth. The immune system, for example, takes advantage of free radicals’ cell-damaging qualities and uses them to destroy pathogens. Pathogens are disease-causing organisms such as bacteria and viruses.
What do free radicals damage?
Free radicals can cause damage to parts of cells such as proteins, DNA, and cell membranes by stealing their electrons through a process called oxidation.
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