Outline the production of free radicals during exercise.

Analyse the negative effects on cells by free radicals.

produced as a by-product of normal cell function ✔

exhaustive exercise generates high levels of free radicals ✔

free radicals can create oxidative stress <when free radical production cannot be controlled by natural antioxidants and cell damage occurs> ✔

a free radical is a particle that possesses at least one unpaired electron ✔

free radicals cause damage by removing electrons from parts of the cell in order to create paired electrons in their own structures ✔

electrons can be removed from cell and mitochondrial membranes, thereby affecting their permeability ✔

electrons can be removed from molecules such as enzymes and DNA, thereby impairing their function ✔

free radicals in the body include superoxide, hydroxyl, and nitric oxide ✔

free radicals are generated through exposures to external sources including environmental pollution, toxic metals, cigarette smoke, and pesticides, which add damage to our body's burden of oxidative stress ✔