225k views
1 vote
Which of the following statements is FALSE regarding free radicals?

A) Free radicals are formed as a by-product of healthy metabolism.
B) Our body has no mechanism to stabilize free radicals.
C) Exposure to pollution increases free radical production.
D) Many diseases, such as cancer and heart disease, are linked to free radical damage.

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

The false statement about free radicals is that our bodies have no mechanism to stabilize them, while in fact, antioxidants like vitamins C and E help neutralize these harmful molecules.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the statements regarding free radicals, the false one is B) Our body has no mechanism to stabilize free radicals. Our bodies do indeed have mechanisms to deal with free radicals. These mechanisms include the use of antioxidants like vitamins C and E, as well as provitamins like β-carotene, which neutralize harmful free radicals by donating H atoms, thus breaking chain reactions of oxidative damage.

It is true that free radicals are produced as a by-product of healthy metabolism (A), and that exposure to pollution can increase their production (C). Additionally, there is ample evidence linking free radical damage to various diseases, including cancer and heart disease, as noted in statement D.

User Khannikkey
by
8.7k points