The Free Radical Theory

The bump free radical supposition was firstly introduced in 1954 by Robert Gerschman and later was developed by Dr. Denham Harman from the University of Nebraska. The term openhanded radical is employ by the scientists to describe any molecule which is different from conventional molecules.Actually, free radicals posses a free electron and, therefore, they are able to react with other molecules in destructive and volatile ways. In contrast to free radicals, in conventional molecules the electrical ailment is always balanced meaning that electrons are able to keep abreast in pairs and their electrical energies simply cancel their charges.In other words, conventional molecules have electronegative electrical charge be fount atoms which miss electrons are combined with atoms with excessive number of electrons, and, in the result, a stable molecule with paired electrons and neutral charge is created. (Theories of Aging 2004)In contrast to conventional molecules, free radicals alw ays possess extra negative charge. The result is apparent unbalanced electrical energy makes free radicals attach themselves to other molecules and steal a matching electron to attain electrical equilibrium.However, it is needful to note that free radials are a good deal claimed to be promiscuous meaning that they break happy marriages of combined electrons trying to steal happy helper for themselves. In such(prenominal) a way free electrons create free radicals which definitely lead to gigantic damage of cells and human body. So, activity of free radicals within human body is negative as they cause aging serve up.If there were no free radicals, human bodies would be able to produce energy and to remark immunity. Moreover, our bodies would manage to transmit nerve impulses and to synthesize hormones necessary for our muscles.Nevertheless, electricity of the body makes people perform these functions, just now electricity is the result of unbalanced electron activity of free ra dicals within out body. (Theories of Aging 2004)Further, free radicals are known to damage the structure of human cell membrane by creating so-called metabolous waste products. One of such waste products is substance called lipofuscins. His effect is damaging as, for example, excessive amount of lipofuscins leads to issuance of aging spot or darkness of the skin in certain areas.Moreover, this substance reduces significantly abilities of cells to remedy and to reproduce. The synthesis of DNA and RNA is disturbed as well the synthesis of protein. Next, lipofuscins lowers energy levels preventing in such a way human bodies from building muscles. (Theories of Aging 2004)Consequently, cellular enzymes are destroyed, but they are necessary for vital chemical processes without which the aging process starts. Free-radical damage starts from the birth and continues throughout out life savings bank natural death.During childhood and adolescents free-radical processes are minor as they bod y still is provided with repair and replacement mechanism. health young people have healthy organs and working order. However, when people become older free-radical processes pose to take their toll.Scientists say that free-radical disruption of cell metabolism is part of what ages our cells it may also create fun cells leading ultimately to cancer and death. (Theories of Aging 2004)Finally, free radicals damage collagen and elastin which are responsible for safekeeping our skin moist, elastic and flexible. Under influence of free radicals, human vital tissues are breaking and fraying. This process is noticeable in the face folds of skin and deep wrinkles are the results of free-radical damage.Gerontologists argue that another way of feeling at free-radical changes is to think of its as oxidation, the process of adding oxygen to a substance. Another word for oxidation is run through and in a sense our aging process is analogous to the rusting away of a once-intact enchantment of metal.(Theories of Aging 2004) Oxygen forms are free radicals and while breathing we produce free radical which intensify the process of aging. Antioxidants are substances used to prevent harmful effects of oxidation and free radicals. We should behave attention to vitamins C, B and beta carotene to fight aging process.ReferencesTheories of Aging. (2004). Retrieved November 29, 2007, from http//www.prolongyouth.com/theories.html