Reactive Oxygen Molecules

Definition: Reactive oxygen molecules are different than normal oxygen molecules. They have been changed by the process of "oxidation" and are very unstable. Because they are so unstable, they tend to react with anything they contact. When they contact cells in the body, or the DNA within those cells, the reaction is damaging and can cause the cell to die or the DNA to mutate.

Reactive oxygen molecules are produced continuously in all air breathing animals, including humans. These molecules are a byproduct of normal metabolism. Because the normal metabolic path depends on the consumption and chemical use of oxygen, the production of reactive oxygen molecules is unavoidable.

Because normal metabolism creates reactive oxygen molecules, and because reactive oxygen molecules are dangerous, animals have developed a variety of ways to deal with them. Primary among these is the production and use of chemicals called antioxidants, which can absorb the reactive oxygen molecules before they are able to cause damage.

It has been postulated that reactive oxygen molecules may be the ultimate force behind a variety of human illnesses, such as cancer, and perhaps even the root cause of aging. Research regarding these ideas is ongoing.

Also Known As: Reactive Oxygen Species, ROS