Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Free Radicals in Chemical Biology: from Chemical Behavior to Biomarker Development
Published on: April 15, 2013
Aspects of free radical reactions in biological systems: aging
Abstract:
The role of free radicals and lipid peroxidation is reviewed with regard to the aging process. Free radicals are produced during mitochondrial respiration, during the autooxidation of a variety of biological molecules and chemicals, during irradiation damage, and are found as environmental pollutants. Free radicals induce lipid peroxidation which results in membrane damage, increased disulfide/sulfhydryl ratios, and accumulation of aging pigments. Superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, vitamin E, vitamin C, and selenium are of importance with respect to free radical and lipid peroxide quenching. During aging, the levels of vitamin C appear to decline in the human, guinea pig, and the mouse. Synthetic antioxidants, added to the diets of mice, have been noted to extend the lifespan and mean half-survivale times.
More Related Videos
12:22Ratiometric Biosensors that Measure Mitochondrial Redox State and ATP in Living Yeast Cells
Published on: July 22, 2013
13:59A Quantitative Measurement of Reactive Oxygen Species and Senescence-associated Secretory Phenotype in Normal Human Fibroblasts During Oncogene-induced Senescence
Published on: August 12, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Radical Reactivity: Overview
Radical Autoxidation
The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Bioactivation and Tissue Toxicity
Aging
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Redox Reactions