Free radical
atom, molecule, or ion that has an unpaired valence electron; typically highly reactive From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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A free radical, or radical, is an atom or molecule with an unpaired electron. The radical is reactive and seeks another electron to pair.[1]
Many free radicals, are (very reactive or) highly chemical reactive.
In biology
Free radicals are involved in the causes of damage associated with disease development. Examples are hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorite, nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide.[2]
The need for antioxidants in people's daily lives is becoming more critical with increased exposure to free radicals. Oxygen is highly reactive and can form free radicals; antioxidants can stabilize or deactivate oxygen free radicals before they attack cells. Pollution, cigarette smoke, drugs, illness, and stress can increase our exposure to oxygen free radicals.[3]
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References
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