NUTR 1020 Lecture Notes - Lecture 12: Reactive Oxygen Species, Unpaired Electron, Oxidative Stress

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Many chemical reactions involve the transfer of electrons between molecules. A molecule is oxidized when it loses an electron. A molecule is reduced when it gains an electron. Typically, all these electrons are paired, but when such reactions result in an unpaired electron, the molecule is called a free radical. Free radical: any species capable of independent existence that contains unpaired electrons in the shells around the atomic nucleus. Due to unpaired electron they are highly reactive species (aggressive) by their affinity to donate or obtain another electron to attain stability. Radicals try to reach equilibrium and plucks an electron from the nearest intact molecules. Most radicals are short-lived and they react quickly with other molecule. Free radicals are like robbers which are deficient in electron. Free radicals attack and snatch electrons from the other cells to satisfy themselves. Endogenous sources (within the body): white blood cells. An antioxidant has an electron to donate to a free radical.

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