free radicals
Type: molecule Aliases: free radicalunpaired electrons
- Systems Analogy Unstable spark-like particles that bump into cell walls and damage healthy cell components.
- Formal Definition Atoms or molecules with an unpaired valence electron, making them highly reactive and capable of inducing oxidative damage.
Mentioned In
- Moleculeantioxidant
- Processlipid peroxidation
Scientific Sources & Literature Citations
- [1] Empirical Study Ma 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."