FNN 111 Chapter Notes - Chapter 8: Offal, Carotenoid, Dysplasia

• School: Ryerson University
• Department: Nutrition and Food
• Course: FNN 111
• Professor: Sharon Wong

Document Summary

Antioxidant: compound that protects our cells from the damage caused by oxidation. Oxidation is a chemical reaction in which atoms lose electrons. During metabolism, atoms exchange electrons (lose electrons) This is called oxidation (because it"s fuelled by oxygen) Atoms are capable of gaining electrons too during metabolism (reduction) Oxidation sometimes results in the formation of free radicals. Stable atoms have an even # of electrons orbiting in pairs. After oxidation it is left with one unpaired electron. But in some cases, they remain unpaired (unstable) free radicals. Too many free radicals can cause serious damage to cells and other body. In most reactions, unpaired electrons pair up to become stable components, highly reactive. Oxygen sometimes accepts an electron and becomes a radical. Also caused by air pollution, uv rays, immune system producing inflammation, radiation, smoke, chemicals, asbestos. Free radicals can destabilize other molecules and damage our cells.