[24] Antioxidants and Free Radicals in Biochemistry

Question 1

What is an antioxidant?

Answer 1

A substance that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals.

Question 2

What is a free radical?

Answer 2

An unstable molecule with an unpaired electron in its outermost shell.

Question 3

How do free radicals cause damage in the body?

Answer 3

By stealing electrons from other molecules, causing cellular damage and contributing to diseases.

Question 4

Where do free radicals come from?

Answer 4

1. Environmental factors like pollution
2. Body’s normal metabolic processes

Question 5

What are some examples of antioxidants?

Answer 5

1. Vitamin C
2. Vitamin E
3. Beta-carotene

Question 6

How do antioxidants neutralize free radicals?

Answer 6

They donate an electron to free radicals, thereby reducing their reactivity.

Question 7

What is oxidative stress?

Answer 7

An imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract their harmful effects.

Question 8

How is oxidative stress related to aging?

Answer 8

It’s believed to contribute to aging by causing cellular and DNA damage over time.

Question 9

What is the role of Vitamin C as an antioxidant?

Answer 9

Vitamin C can neutralize free radicals and also regenerate other antioxidants within the body.

Question 10

What is the role of Vitamin E as an antioxidant?

Answer 10

Vitamin E neutralizes free radicals, especially those involved in lipid oxidation.

Question 11

What is the function of Beta-carotene?

Answer 11

Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that protects the body from damaging molecules called free radicals.

Question 12

What foods are rich in antioxidants?

Answer 12

1. Berries
2. Green tea
3. Dark chocolate
4. Pecans

Question 13

How are antioxidants and free radicals related to disease?

Answer 13

Imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals may lead to diseases like cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Question 14

What is ROS?

Answer 14

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen that can cause damage to cells.

Question 15

What is the function of the antioxidant enzyme Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)?

Answer 15

SOD catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide, thus neutralizing a harmful free radical.

Question 16

What is the function of the antioxidant enzyme Catalase?

Answer 16

Catalase catalyzes the conversion of hydrogen peroxide, a harmful byproduct of metabolism, into water and oxygen.

Question 17

What is the function of the antioxidant enzyme Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx)?

Answer 17

GPx catalyzes the reduction of hydrogen peroxide and organic hydroperoxides, preventing oxidative stress.

Question 18

What is lipid peroxidation?

Answer 18

It’s a process in which free radicals steal electrons from lipids in cell membranes, resulting in cell damage.

Question 19

How does the body generate free radicals during normal metabolic processes?

Answer 19

During processes such as mitochondrial respiration where oxygen is reduced to water, free radicals like superoxide and hydrogen peroxide are produced as byproducts.

Question 20

What is the effect of exercise on free radicals and antioxidants?

Answer 20

Exercise increases the production of free radicals, but also upregulates antioxidant defenses, enhancing the body’s ability to handle oxidative stress.