Question

Why are the cell membranes so susceptible to free radical damage?

Answer 1

Cell membranes are made of unsaturated lipids. The unsaturated lipid molecules of cell membranes are particularly susceptible to this damaging free radical process and readily contribute to the uncontrolled chain reaction.

for further more information: http://www.health-wellness-4all.com/free-radicals.html

Answer 2

In other words, they become 'saturated' when they are reduced by the free radicals? What in their chemical structure makes them more prone to free radical damage? I'm looking for specifics

Answer 3

How do the free radicals cause damage? If I understand correctly (I'm not sure if I do), free radicals are unrestrained and they bombard whatever is around them?

Answer 4

Because of the need to pair its single electron, a free radical must abstract a second electron from a neighbouring molecule. This causes the formation of yet another free radical and self-propagating chain reaction ensues.
Damage to fat compounds: The fatty membranes surrounding the cells being the prime target to free radicals attacks. The damaged membranes then loose its ability to transport oxygen, nutrients or water to the cells.
Damage to protein molecules: Free radicals also attack the nucleic acid which comprise the genetic code within each cell. The nucleic acids function is to regulate the normal cell function, growth and also to repair the damaged tissues.
Cell damage: Damages done to the chromosoins and nucleic acids might initiate the growth of abnormal cells, which is the first step in cancer development.
Lysosomes damages: Lysosomes are little sacs in the cell that contain degenerative enzymes. The enzymes leak out when the membrane cell breaks and they start digesting the cell itself, spreading to nearby cell causing a chain reaction of destruction which, eventually, will lower the immune system resistance.

Answer 5

Thank you.

Answer 6

Lipid peroxidation refers to the oxidative degradation of lipids. It is the process in which free radicals "steal" electrons from the lipids in cell membranes, resulting in cell damage. This process proceeds by a free radical chain reaction mechanism. It most often affects polyunsaturated fatty acids, because they contain multiple double bonds in between which lie methylene bridges (-CH2-) that possess especially reactive hydrogens.

Answer 7

To be sure I understand correctly, the free radicals proceed to keep making free radicals from the polyunsaturated fatty acids?