What are free radicals?
Asked by: Mike Neville Answer Atoms are bonded together when they share or transfer electrons to form molecules. A covalent bond is formed when a pair of electrons is shared. When the bond breaks, it can occur in one of two ways: The more common way is ‘heterolytic cleavage’ where one of the atoms retains both of the bonding electrons, and the other takes none. This generally results in the forming of ionic species. e.g. H-H –> H+ + H- In this case, the H- has taken the electron pair. However, it is possible that both atoms retain one electron each in a process called ‘homolytic cleavage’. The two atoms/molecules that are formed each contain an unpaired electron, making it highly unstable and reactive. These are called ‘Free Radicals. e.g. H-H –> H· + H· The · next to each H shows they are free radicals (each has an unpaired electron). These highly reactive molecules will then react quickly with another nearby molecule.
Free radicals are atomic or molecular species with unpaired electrons in the outermost bonding orbital and are likely to take part in chemical reactions. Electrons prefer to be in pairs and when an electron is alone in its orbital in will try to take an electron from another atom to become more stable. When the other atom loses its electron it tries on its turn to steal an electron from another atom, often resulting in a dangerous chain reaction. Free radicals can cause damage to our cells but they also play an important role in a number of biological processes, such as the intracellular killing of bacteria by white blood cells and some cell signalling processes.
Free radicals are atoms with at least one unpaired electron. In excess, free radicals produce harmful oxidation that can damage cell membranes. Free radicals are analogous to cattle let loose on a field of planted crops. Uncontrolled, the cattle would destroy the crops. Ranch hands are hired to make sure the cattle stay in place and graze. Antioxidants act much the same way. As the ranch hands for our bodies, antioxidants prevent free radicals from potentially damaging millions of healthy, functioning cells. What is oxidative stress? Oxidative stress occurs in your body when there are not enough antioxidants to counter the effects of damaging free radicals. Free radicals cause damage to all cellular components, including proteins, lipids, and DNAthe blueprint to cell proliferation. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the aging process and numerous health-related issues.
Answer “Free radicals are atoms with at least one unpaired electron. In excess, free radicals produce harmful oxidation that can damage cell membranes. Free radicals are analogous to cattle let loose on a field of planted crops. Uncontrolled, the cattle would destroy the crops. Ranch hands are hired to make sure the cattle stay in place and graze. Antioxidants act much the same way. As the ranch hands for our bodies, antioxidants prevent free radicals from potentially damaging millions of healthy, functioning cells.
