Free
Free Radicals
Free radicals (pronounced: /fri: 'rædɪkəlz/) are unstable atoms that can damage cells, causing illness and aging. They are also known as oxidants.
Etymology
The term "free radical" is derived from the fact that these atoms or groups of atoms have an unpaired electron, making them highly reactive and "free" to engage in reactions with other molecules. The term "radical" comes from the Latin "radix," meaning "root," because the radical often goes to the root of the molecule and changes its structure.
Related Terms
- Antioxidants: Substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals.
- Oxidative Stress: An imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants.
- Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS): Chemically reactive chemical species containing oxygen, which are a type of free radical.
- Oxidation: A chemical reaction that can produce free radicals, leading to chain reactions that may damage cells.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Free
- Wikipedia's article - Free
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