free radicals
Type: molecule Aliases: free radical unpaired electrons
Systems Analogy
Loose, highly charged copper wires that flap around, sparking and damaging whatever they touch.
Atoms or molecules with an unpaired valence electron, making them highly reactive and capable of inducing oxidative damage.
Mentioned In
Scientific Sources & Verbatim Definitions
- Empirical StudyMa Q. Role of Nrf2 in Oxidative Stress and Toxicity. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. 2013;53:401-426. ↗
"Radicals react rapidly with organic substrates to propagate damage."