Most of us probably remember the term "free radicals" from our high school chemistry class, a class we used more as a way to pass notes to our friends and less as a way to learn about the ins and outs of the atom. While free radicals may not have been important to us in our teenage years, most people find that when age increases, our vigilance for personal health must increase as well. Suddenly, free radicals can be costly and turn into something we must care about.
Before one can truly understand what a free radical is and how it works, a bit of a chemistry lesson must take place. Don't worry, this won't hurt a bit.
A variety of different living cells make up the human body. These cells are made up of molecules and these molecules are made up of atoms. Atoms are made up of a nucleus, neutrons, protons, and electrons. The number of protons, which are positively charged, dictate the number of electrons, which are negatively charged. The electrons - yes, even with their negative attitude - are particularly important: they orbit around the atom, cause chemical reactions, and bond atoms together to forms molecules (which ultimately form cells).
Electrons travel around the atom in shells. The inner shell is considered full when it has two electrons; after two, the electrons begin to fill the other shells. The outer shell - and how many electrons are in it - is the biggest factor in determining the atom's chemical behavior.
Atoms, like most of us, aim to find some sort of stability. For this reason, they try to fill their outer shell by gaining or losing electrons, or bonding with other atoms and sharing electrons. Once this bonding takes place, a molecule is formed.
Normally, after bonding, all electrons in a molecule are paired: there is rarely a lone electron by itself. But when this does happen, free radicals form. Desperate and unstable, free radicals do whatever it takes to capture the electron they need to stabilize themselves. This desperation and instability causes free radicals to attack nearby molecules. If the molecule under attack loses an electron, it becomes a free radical and repeats the process. A domino effect then begins and the living cell is harmed.
Article comments
1 - Phil
I hope I am not late in the day for adding comments - but just let me say that this is a very clear explanation. I like it.