What is the term for an unpaired electron that can damage cellular membranes and lead to inflammation?

The term for an unpaired electron that can damage cellular membranes and lead to inflammation is a free radical. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules due to their unpaired electrons, which makes them unstable. They seek to stabilize themselves by capturing electrons from nearby molecules, including those in cell membranes, proteins, and DNA. This process can result in oxidative stress, which contributes to cellular damage and inflammation.

In the context of nutrition and health, understanding free radicals is crucial because they can play a significant role in the aging process and the development of various diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases. By promoting oxidative damage, free radicals can lead to chronic inflammatory responses that disrupt normal cellular functions. This is why antioxidants, which can stabilize free radicals by providing the necessary electrons without becoming unstable themselves, are often discussed in the context of reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.