free radical
free radical An atom or group of atoms with an unpaired valence electron. Free radicals are formed when a bond is broken without forming ions. Because of their unpaired electrons, most free radicals are extremely reactive. For example, superoxide free radicals, formed in the body during normal metabolic processes and as a reaction to toxins and infections, have damaging effects on cells and tissues. See also antioxidants; superoxide dismutase.
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free radicals , free radicals A free radical is any chemical species which contains one or more unpaired electrons and which is capable of an independent existence.… Antioxidants (nutrients) , Antioxidant is the descriptive term given to a group of organic substances that generally function within the body to promote health through their co… Vitamin E , Vitamin E is the name given to a group of eight chemicals with similar properties that are essential to health. Vitamin E was first isolated as a dis… Radicalism , The word radical has a number of meanings, one of which involves “getting to the root of the matter.” This analogy is helpful in focusing attention o… radical , rad·i·cal / ˈradikəl/ • adj. 1. (esp. of change or action) relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something; far-reaching or thorough: a… Superoxide dismutase , superoxide dismutase (SOD) A widely distributed enzyme that removes the superoxide radical (O2·), with the formation of molecular oxygen and hydrogen…
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