FREE RADICALS Meaning and
Definition
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Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that contain an unpaired electron in their outer shell, making them unstable. This characteristic gives them the ability to easily react with other molecules by acquiring or donating an electron, which in turn creates a chain reaction of unstable molecules. Free radicals can be formed naturally within the body as a byproduct of normal cellular metabolism, but they can also be generated by external influences such as radiation, pollution, and certain chemicals.
In biological systems, free radicals can play both beneficial and detrimental roles. They serve important functions in cellular signaling, immune response, and metabolic reactions. However, when produced in excess or not properly balanced by antioxidants, free radicals can become detrimental to living organisms. Their highly reactive nature allows them to attack and damage essential molecules like DNA, proteins, and lipids, leading to oxidative stress and potential harm to cell structures and functions.
The accumulation of oxidative damage caused by free radicals is thought to contribute to various diseases and the aging process. Conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and inflammatory diseases have been associated with an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants.
To combat the harmful effects of free radicals, the body has various defense mechanisms in place. Antioxidants, both endogenous and those obtained from dietary sources, can neutralize free radicals by providing the missing electron without becoming unstable themselves. Maintaining a balance between free radicals and antioxidants is crucial for the overall health and well-being of an individual.
Common Misspellings for FREE RADICALS
- dree radicals
- cree radicals
- vree radicals
- gree radicals
- tree radicals
- rree radicals
- feee radicals
- fdee radicals
- ffee radicals
- ftee radicals
- f5ee radicals
- f4ee radicals
- frwe radicals
- frse radicals
- frde radicals
- frre radicals
- fr4e radicals
- fr3e radicals
- frew radicals
- fres radicals
Etymology of FREE RADICALS
The term "free radicals" was initially coined by Moses Gomberg, a Polish-American chemist, in 1900. The word "free" refers to the fact that these chemical species are not bound or unpaired, while "radicals" corresponds to the root meaning of "radix" in Latin, which translates to "root". The concept of "free radicals" came about as Gomberg discovered certain molecular species that contained unpaired electrons, leading him to believe they were chemically reactive. Over time, "free radicals" became a widely accepted term in chemistry and biology to describe highly reactive species with unpaired electrons.
