Free+Radicals

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__ Definition: __
Molecules or atoms that possess an unpaired electron. HGD Chapter 17 pg. 442.

Definition of Free Radicals "Free radicals are molecules that are very unstable and seek to bond to other molecules to increase their stability."

Nutrition Glossary: Free Radicals "As the body uses oxygen, these by-products cause oxidative damage to the cells of the body."

__Examples:__
A normal by-product of body metabolism and unpaired electrons can arise to certain substances like foods, sunlight, X-rays, air pollution and etc.





__Analogies:__
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__Mnemonics:__
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__In the News:__
media type="youtube" key="s3lX67swZWk" width="425" height="350" Free Radicals Effects "Free radicals are produced inevitably during cellular metabolism, such as by electron leakage from electron transport chains and redox enzymes. In addition, leukocytes, and perhaps some lymphocytes, can produce a triggered extracellular flux of free radicals by means of a specialized electron transport chain assembled on the cell surface and involving a low-potential cytochrome, cytochrome b-245.1,2 This triggered radical flux is probably important in defence against foreign organisms, and may also have a positive role in the normal function of the cells."

[|Free Radical Reactions] "Last time we looked at how the benzene ring changes the reactivity of an atom or group to which it is directly attached. Today we'll finish presenting new material in the course by taking a brief look at reactions in which bond making and bond breaking events involve electrons moving singly rather than as pairs."

Bill Victor: Free Radicals Can Hasten Poor Health "Every so often, we find ourselves hearing a word that has been so overused by the mainstream media that we become anesthetized to what it really means."

UOW Academics Design Free-Radical Catcher "It's pretty hard to catch cell-damaging free radicals in the act, but a couple of University of Wollongong academics have designed a machine that does just that. The free-radical-catching machine - or the more scientific 'mass spectrometer' - designed by Professor Stephen Blanksby and Dr Adam Trevitt can catch and study these tiny molecules, which is the first step in fighting them. The machine will be unveiled to the public at the university's first Big Ideas Festival next month, where top researchers will showcase research that could change the world."