IPHY 2420 Lecture Notes - Lecture 16: Ultraviolet, Beta-Carotene, Manganese
17 Dec 2017
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Document Summary
If an atom gains a negative electron, it is called a reduction. When an atom loses a negative electron, it is called oxidation. Stable atoms contain an even number of paired electrons making the atom less reactive. When oxidation and reduction go unpaired, it causes a free radical. Free radicals steal electrons from stable atoms and form more unstable atoms inside the body. Too many free radicals is extremely bad for the body. However, most of the time our bodies can get rid of free radicals through exercise. Humans can develop more free radicals by coming in contact with excessive amounts of uv light, radiation, tobacco smoke, asbestos, and pollution. Free radicals cause disease and damage cells, cell membranes, proteins, dna, and ldls. Stress is when the body has an excess of free radicals which will cause chronic diseases such as cancer, alzheimer"s, parkinson"s, cataracts, and diabetes. Our bodies need an adequate number of antioxidants to fight against free radicals.
