To really grasp what a free radical is, you must look at at it from a chemical level of cells and molecules. Here’s a quick chemistry lesson: The chemical composite of the human body is comprised of different types of cells.
Molecules are atoms of one or more elements that are joined by a chemical bond. Cells are made up of many different molecules.
Atoms are made up of a nucleus, protons, electrons, and neutrons. The number positively charged particles (protons) in the nucleus of the atom is what determines how many negatively charged particles (electron) will surround the atom.
Electrons are responsible for the chemical reactions that take place inside the atom as well as the substance that holds the atom together to form molecules. Electrons orbit the atom in one or more shells.
The innermost shell is full when it has two electrons. When the first shell is full, electrons begin to fill the second shell. When the second shell has eight electrons, it is full.
The most important structural characteristic of an atom for determining its chemical behavior is the number of electrons in its outer shell.
A compound that has a full outer shell usually does not enter in chemical reactions. Atoms look to reach a point of maximum stability by one of the following:
Loose or pick up electrons to either empty or fill the outer shell
Share electrons with other atoms to complete the outer shell
Atoms regularly complete their outer shells by sharing electrons with other atoms. Sharing electrons allows the atoms that are bound together to satisfy the conditions of maximum stability for the molecule.
Most of the time, these bonds do not tear apart in a way that leaves an atom with an odd, unpaired electron. When this does occur however, free radicals are formed; they are very unstable and react swiftly with other compounds in attempt to gain the needed electrons for stability.
Traditionally, free radicals attack the nearest stable molecule they come across– “stealing” its electron. When the “attacked” molecule loses its electron, it too now becomes a free radical thus starting a chain reaction. Once this process is started, it can cascade and finally result in the disruption of a living cell.
Free radicals will frequently arrive during metabolism and sometimes the body will even produce them to fight off viruses and bacteria. Free radicals also come from pollution such as radiation, cigarette smoke, and pesticides.
Typically, the body is able to handle free radicals, but if antioxidants are unavailable, or if the free-radical production becomes excessive, damage can occur. Most importantly is that free radical damage accumulates with age.
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