Metabolisum,
The human body is composed of many different type of cells,thise cells are composed of many different types of molecules. Molecules consist of one or more atoms of one or more elements joined by chemical bonds.
As you probably remember from your chemistry study, atoms consist of a nucleus, neutrons, protons and electrons.
The number of protons (positively charged particles) in the atom?s nucleus determines the number of electrons (negatively charged particles) surrounding the atom.
Electrons are involved in chemical reactions and are the substance that bonds atoms together to form molecules.
Electrons surround, or "orbit" an atom in one or more shells.
The innermost orbit 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, and so on.
Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction, like dominoes. Their chief danger comes from the damage they can do when they react with important cellular components such as DNA, or the cell membrane. Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs. To prevent free radical damage the body has a defense system of antioxidants.
Antioxidants are molecules which can safely interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged. Although there are several enzyme systems within the body that scavenge free radicals, the principle micronutrient (vitamin) antioxidants are vitamin E, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. Additionally, selenium, a trace metal that is required for proper function of one of the body's antioxidant enzyme systems, is sometimes included in this category. The body cannot manufacture these micronutrients so they must be supplied in the diet.
Vitamin E ,.
Vitamin C ,
Beta-carotene
Metabolism is the result of all the processes in your body, working together to create the energy that keeps you going.
The metabolism is the rate at which your body's many processes function. When you're younger, metabolism is fast to lose weight but as you get older your metabolism slows down and you might put on a few pounds. Exercising speeds up your metabolism.
How Free Radicals are FormedThe human body is composed of many different type of cells,thise cells are composed of many different types of molecules. Molecules consist of one or more atoms of one or more elements joined by chemical bonds.
As you probably remember from your chemistry study, atoms consist of a nucleus, neutrons, protons and electrons.
The number of protons (positively charged particles) in the atom?s nucleus determines the number of electrons (negatively charged particles) surrounding the atom.
Electrons are involved in chemical reactions and are the substance that bonds atoms together to form molecules.
Electrons surround, or "orbit" an atom in one or more shells.
The innermost orbit 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, and so on.
The most important structural feature of an atom for determining its chemical behavior is the number of electrons in its outer orbit. A substance that has a full outer orbitl tends not to enter in chemical reactions means it is an inert substance. Because atoms seek to reach a state of maximum stability, an atom will try to stable and have outer orbit :
- Gaining or losing electrons to either fill or empty its outer shell
- Sharing its electrons by bonding together with other atoms in order to complete its outer shell
Atoms often complete their outer shells by sharing electrons with other atoms. By sharing electrons, the atoms are bound together and satisfy the conditions of maximum stability for the molecule and thus compund is formed.
Normally, compound atom split in a way that leaves a molecule with an odd, unpaired electron.
But when weak bonds split, free radicals are formed.
Free radicals are very unstable and react quickly with other compounds, trying to capture the needed electron to gain stability.
Generally, free radicals attack the nearest stable molecule, "stealing" its electron.
When the "attacked" molecule loses its electron, it becomes a free radical itself, beginning a chain reaction.
Once the process is started, it can cascade, finally resulting in the disruption of a living cell.
Some free radicals arise normally during metabolism.
Sometimes the body's immune system's cells purposefully create Free Radicals to neutralize viruses and bacteria. However, environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke and herbicides can also spawn free radicals.
Normally, the body can handle free radicals, but if antioxidants are unavailable, or if the free-radical production becomes excessive, damage can occur. Of particular importance is that free radical damage accumulates with age.
Antioxidants are molecules which can safely interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged. Although there are several enzyme systems within the body that scavenge free radicals, the principle micronutrient (vitamin) antioxidants are vitamin E, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. Additionally, selenium, a trace metal that is required for proper function of one of the body's antioxidant enzyme systems, is sometimes included in this category. The body cannot manufacture these micronutrients so they must be supplied in the diet.
Vitamin E ,.
Vitamin C ,
