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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Free Radicals in Chemical Biology: from Chemical Behavior to Biomarker Development
Published on: April 15, 2013
[Role of free radicals in the physiological processes]
Elzbieta Gałecka1, Małgorzata Mrowicka, Katarzyna Malinowska
1Medical University of Lódź, Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Poland. galeckaela@wp.pl
Abstract:
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are produced during variety of biological processes. Low concentration of these molecules influences cell growth, differentiation or proliferation. Above derivatives of oxygen and nitrogen take part in physiological processes such as signal transduction, regulation of protein kinases or transcription factors. ROS and RNS regulate redox balance, regulate immune responses, activate macrophages and neutrophils. Under theirs' control is cell adhesion and relaxation of smooth muscles. These molecules are very important for correct function and life of the cell.
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