HUN2000 Antioxidants Notes

Manganese

Cofactor for enzyme Superoxide Dismutase in the mitochondria

Beta-Carotene

Precursor for Vitamin A

Iron 

Cofactor for Enzyme Catalase

Copper and Zinc

Cofactor for enzyme Superoxide Dismutase in cytosol

selenium

Cofactor for enzyme glutathione peroxidase

Antioxidants

these get rid of ROS and capture free radicals

Vitamin C

this vitamin protects the water parts of the body from free radicals

Vitamin E

this vitamin protects the lipid parts of the body from free radicals

Tocophoerol

another name for vitamin E

Ascorbic Acid

another name for vitamin C

Electron

oxygen can sometime gain one of these and become a free radical

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)

a precursor molecule to a free radical

Propagation

when a lipid radical attacks a nearby lipid turning it into a free radical

Initiation

the first stage in the free radical chain reaction

Free Radical

a normal byproduct of aerobic metabolism

Lycopene

a carotenoid that gives red color to tomatoes

Phytoestrogen

an estrogen-like molecule produced by plants

Flavonoids

a phytochemical in fruits and veggies believed to supress tumor growth, prevent blood clots and be anti-inflammatory

Carotenoids

a family of food pigments that act as antioxidants

Phytochemicals

a plant substance that may have health-promoting properties