What are reactive oxygen types?

reactive oxygen species (ROS) are molecules that contain oxygen of the element and are chemically very active. These molecules that can have a number of forms will achieve this reactivity as a result of one common characteristic: the presence of an electron that has only one link. The electrons in this state have a strong tendency to try to create stronger links, leading to chemical reactions. Reactive oxygen types can be as simple as the superoxide molecules (o _{2 ) or more complicated molecules such as hydrogen peroxide (H 2 2 2). These molecules, sometimes called oxidants or free radicals, are found in the human body and are used and form cellular processes.}

The human body cells use superoxide molecules to convert food into energy and other metabolic functions. These biochemical processes are very complex, but many of them begin with superoxide molecules that are converted into other reactive oxygen species that are then appliedin other reactions. The body has a natural means for solving these molecules, as many enzymes serve the purpose of their neutralization or their transformation into a less reactive form. The excessive amount of reactive oxygen species molecules is potentially harmful and is expected to contribute to many processes destructive to human cells, DNA and finally to overall health. Many foods and other supplements are launched as antioxidants, which are substances that neutralize excess reactive oxygen molecules, preventing them from damage to the body.

molecules such as reactive oxygen species can be introduced into the body in many ways, but are primarily introduced by the air we breathe. Cigarette smoke and industrial exhaust contain a large number of these types of molecules known to damage human tissues, especially for the lungs. Ozon (o ³

, a naturally occurring molecule is thusVery chemically reactive, although present only in small quantities in the Earth's atmosphere.

reactive oxygen types can damage human DNA by reacting with proteins contained in DNA chains. This damage can sometimes be repaired by the natural defense of the body, but these defense are imperfect and if repairs fail, damage can lead to genetic mutations. Oxidative DNA damage can cause reduced enzymatic activity and have been associated with cancer. This potential for damage to cells and body tissues due to excess of some reactive oxygen species combined with the need for a certain number of some ROS molecules creates a kind of paradox. The body needs and uses some types of these molecules for basic metabolic functions, but excess can be harmful.