A free radical is a molecule or element with an unpaired electron. Any molecule
can become a free radical by either losing or gaining an electron. Molecules
containing the uncoupled electrons are highly reactive. Once initiated, free
radicals become involved in chain reactions that damage the lipid membrane of
cells.
Free radicals play an important role, both in health and disease. Free radicals
have been implicated in countless human disease processes. They are produced in
biological systems in a number of ways.
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