HPRO 3250 Chapter Notes - Chapter 8: Macular Degeneration, Cirrhosis, Cardiovascular Disease
16 Jan 2013
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Document Summary
An atom is a small and unique unit of matter having a nucleus and electrons. Atoms exist together with other atoms as molecules. During metabolism, molecules break apart and their atoms lose electrons; this process is usually fuelled by oxygen and is called oxidation. Free radicals are formed during oxidation when a stable atom loses or gains an electron and this electron remains unpaired. Free radicals can be produced when atp is formed, when our immune system fights infections, and when we are exposed to pollution, toxic substances, radiation, the sun, and tobacco smoke. Free radicals are highly unstable entities that cause the production of more free radicals. They can damage our cell membranes, ldls, cell proteins and. Dna and are associated with many diseases, including heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Antioxidant vitamins donate electrons or hydrogen atoms to free radicals to stabilize them and reduce oxidative damage.
