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Questions and Answers
What is the typical duration of radicals in biological systems?
What is the typical duration of radicals in biological systems?
What is the primary mechanism by which free radicals stabilize?
What is the primary mechanism by which free radicals stabilize?
What is the consequence of a chain reaction initiated by a free radical?
What is the consequence of a chain reaction initiated by a free radical?
What type of free radicals are most damaging in biological systems?
What type of free radicals are most damaging in biological systems?
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What is the term sometimes used to describe oxygen free radicals?
What is the term sometimes used to describe oxygen free radicals?
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Study Notes
Radicals
- Radicals are highly reactive molecular species with an unpaired electron formed from the split of a weak bond of a molecule.
- Radicals persist for only a very short time, ranging from 10-9 to 10-12 seconds.
- They are also called "free radicals" because they float freely around until they stabilize.
Formation of Chain Reaction
- Radicals stabilize by attacking the nearest stable molecule, "stealing" its electron.
- When the "attacked" molecule loses its electron, it becomes a free radical itself, beginning a chain reaction.
Damage Caused by Free Radicals
- Oxygen free radicals (also called reactive oxygen species) are the most damaging free radicals in biological systems.
- Chain reactions caused by free radicals can cascade, resulting in the disruption of a living cell.
- Free radicals can cause tissue damage, leading to cellular disruption.
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Description
Learn about highly reactive molecular species called radicals, their formation and longevity, and how they lead to chain reactions. Discover how they stabilize by attacking nearest stable molecules.
