Antioxidants Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes about antioxidants.

Free Radicals

Unstable molecules with unpaired electrons that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA.

Antioxidants

Molecules that neutralize free radicals, preventing oxidative damage by donating electrons.

Oxidative Stress

A state where the balance between pro-oxidants and antioxidants is disrupted, leading to cellular damage and disease progression.

Enzymatic Antioxidants

Proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions to neutralize free radicals.

Non-Enzymatic Antioxidants

Molecules that directly interact with and neutralize free radicals.

Chain-breaking Antioxidants

Antioxidants that directly interact with free radicals, donating an electron to stabilize them and prevent further chain reactions.

Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)

Enzymes that catalyze the conversion of superoxide radicals into hydrogen peroxide.

Catalase (CAT)

An enzyme that decomposes hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.

Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx)

A family of enzymes that protect cells from oxidative damage by reducing lipid hydroperoxides and hydrogen peroxide, utilizing glutathione.

Glutathione Reductase (GR)

An essential enzyme responsible for the regeneration of reduced glutathione (GSH) from its oxidized form, glutathione disulfide (GSSG).

Reduced Glutathione (GSH)

A tripeptide composed of cysteine, glycine, and glutamate, playing a crucial role in scavenging free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative damage.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

A water-soluble antioxidant that scavenges free radicals and regenerates Vitamin E, crucial for collagen synthesis, wound healing, and immune function.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from lipid peroxidation and supports immune function and blood vessel health.

Flavonoids

Antioxidants found in fruits, tea, and vegetables that reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and possess anti-allergic and antiviral properties.

Carotenoids

Plant pigments that protect against UV damage, support eye health, and act as precursors to Vitamin A.

Lycopene

A carotenoid found in red fruits and vegetables, a powerful antioxidant with notable protective properties.

Polyphenols

A class of antioxidants abundant in vegetables, red wine, and tea, known for radical scavenging, lipid peroxidation termination, and iron chelation.

Uric Acid

A potent antioxidant that effectively scavenges various reactive oxygen species (ROS) in bodily fluids.

Tocopherols (Vitamin E)

A group of lipid-soluble compounds that act as antioxidants within cellular membranes.

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

A potent antioxidant that can protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Melatonin

A potent antioxidant capable of easily traversing cell membranes and the blood-brain barrier.

Pro-oxidants

Substances that promote oxidative stress by either generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) or hindering antioxidant systems.