Free Radicals

 

 
10.2  Free Radicals
 

1. Free radicals: atoms or molecules that lack one electron which makes the atoms or molecules unstable, reactive and tend to attack other atoms or molecules

2. Internal factors that produce free radicals in the body

  • metabolism
  • inflammation

3. External factors that produce free radicals in the body

  • cigarette smoke
  • exposure to radiation
  • sunlight 
  • air pollution

4. Effect of free radicals to our body

  • damage our DNA
  • cause mutation and cancer
  • cause diseases such as cardiobascular disease and infertility
  • damage the kidneys, liver and lungs
  • cause premature aging conditions such as wrinkles and grey hair