Some theory. So far, the most common 'free radical' theory of aging, indicating that the mechanism of damage of macromolecules and cells by free radicals, as the basis for aging, disease. The main provision of a free radical theory of aging was formulated in 1954 by D. Harman, assume that a universal cause of aging is free radical oxidation of lipids, fats and proteins of all organisms oxygen. Paradoxically, the fact is that the main enemy of cells – the oxygen. More precisely, the active forms of oxygen molecules – free radicals, which destroy the cell from within.
Free radical – it's part of the molecules at the external level which is not paired electron. For more specific information, check out Cardinal Health. This molecule is extremely aggressive and 'concerned' in order to find a couple of his lone electron. In search of a pair is ready to react with any substance, able to give her the electron. In the cells of living organisms produced several types of free radicals, of which the most aggressive-oxygen radicals (superoxide) and hydroxyl radicals. Biologist Bruce Ames of Berkeley believes that free radicals attack the DNA molecule up to 10 thousand times a day (and it happens in every cell, imagine what kind of large-scale military operations are conducted in our bodies). One of the main sources of radicals mitochondrion is a major supplier of energy, for the cell. Active forms of oxygen molecules affect the DNA itself and interfere with the mechanisms work to restore it. The oxidation process occurring in the mitochondria, and no harmful free radicals – produced with biological debris interferes with the normal functioning of cells.