IPHY 2420 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Unpaired Electron, Cardiovascular Disease, Immune System
5 Oct 2016
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Document Summary
During metabolic reactions, electrons can be transferred. From the atoms of one molecule (oxidation) To the atoms of another molecule (reduction) Stable atoms contain an even number of paired electron. When oxidation and reduction are not paired = a free radical. Free radicals steal electrons from unstable atoms. Any metabolic processes involve oxidation reactions and can produce free radicals. Free radicals are unstable and highly reactive. Excessive free radical formation damages cells and can eventually cause disease. Cell can no longer regulate movement of substances in and out. Disrupts transport in and out of cell & affects cell function. Free radicals promote blood vessel inflammation and clots. Free radical formation is generally kept under control by antioxidants. Beta carotene (type of vitamin a: break down oxidized fatty acids, make more antioxidant vitamins available, convert free radicals to less damaging substances. Antioxidant vitamins donate electrons or hydrogen atoms to free radicals to stabilize them.
