Oxygen radical

Pronunciation

Definition 1

A type of unstable molecule that contains oxygen and that easily reacts with other molecules in a cell. A build up of oxygen radicals in cells may cause damage to DNA, RNA, and proteins, and may cause cell death. An oxygen radical is a free radical. Also called reactive oxygen species. (NCI Dictionary)

Definition 2

Organic or inorganic chemicals that contain an oxygen atom with an unpaired electron. This unstable electron configuration causes these chemicals to be highly reactive with other molecules. (NCI Thesaurus)

Definition 3

Molecules or ions formed by the incomplete one-electron reduction of oxygen. These reactive oxygen intermediates include SINGLET OXYGEN, SUPEROXIDES, PEROXIDES, HYDROXYL RADICAL and HYPOCHLOROUS ACID. They contribute to the microbicidal activity of PHAGOCYTES, regulation of signal transduction and gene expression, and the oxidative damage to NUCLEIC ACIDS, PROTEINS, and LIPIDS. (NLM, Medical Subject Headings)

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