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Free radical

Atom or molecule that has one or more unpaired electrons.

Highly reactive species (e.g., superoxide, hydroxyl, peroxyl radicals) generated by normal metabolism and exogenous insults. Contribute to oxidative damage of lipids, proteins, and DNA; countered by antioxidant defenses.

How one textbook covers it

  • Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism, 8th ed. (Gropper) — Glossary

    Highly reactive species (e.g., superoxide, hydroxyl, peroxyl radicals) generated by normal metabolism and exogenous insults. Contribute to oxidative damage of lipids, proteins, and DNA; countered by antioxidant defenses.

Related terms

Alkoxyl radical, Hydroxyl radical, Peroxyl radical, Superoxide radical