Free radicals are any molecules with an unpaired electron. As
atoms like to have their orbitals filled with paired electrons,
free rads are very reactive, being able to either donate
(reduce) or abstract (oxidize) electrons from other molecs.
The electron transport chain, which is necessary for aerobic
metablism, generates most of the free radicals in higher
organisms. It would be impossible to shut down free radical
rproduction completely without disposing of aerobic metabolism,
which would be fatal form most organs (ie, the brain especially
is sensitve to anoxia). That's not to say we shouldn't try to
offset some of the free rads' effects by consuming
antioxidants...
--
David S. Cassarino "The mind is not a vessel to be filled
MSTP, Neuroscience 2nd Year but a fire to be kindled."
UVA School of Medicine -Plutarch
dsc9w at virginia.edu
