Free radicals

Definition

Free radicals are unstable molecules with unpaired electrons that can cause cellular damage. They play a significant role in oxidative stress and various diseases, including those affecting pulmonary health.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Free radicals are primarily formed during normal metabolic processes and through external sources like pollution and smoking.
2. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, preventing them from causing cellular damage.
3. Oxidative stress caused by free radicals is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
4. Vitamin C and Vitamin E are crucial micronutrients that help combat the harmful effects of free radicals in the lungs.
5. An imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants can lead to respiratory issues and other chronic diseases.

Review Questions

• What are free radicals, and how do they impact cellular health?
• Which vitamins are essential for neutralizing free radicals in the lungs?
• How does oxidative stress from free radicals contribute to pulmonary diseases like COPD?

Related terms

Antioxidants:

Molecules that neutralize free radicals by donating an electron without becoming destabilized themselves.

Oxidative Stress:

A condition resulting from an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, leading to cellular damage.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):

A group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties, often exacerbated by oxidative stress from free radicals.