User:Lightningmouse/sandbox

Processes
Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause a chain reaction of decay in the environment around them. The unpaired electron of a free radical pulls an electron off of a neighboring molecule. The new radical will pull an electron off the next molecule, and a chain reaction occurs. Antioxidants are helpful in reducing and preventing damage from free radical reactions because of their ability to donate electrons. Ascorbic Acid for example, can lose an electron to a free radical and remain stable itself by passing its unstable electron around the molecule. If a free radical-induced chain reaction involves base pair molecules in a strand of DNA, the DNA can become cross-linked. Cross-linking of molecules can lead to various effects of aging from wrinkles in the skin to chronic diseases.