How do free radicals generated by radiation interact within cells?

Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can cause significant cellular damage. When radiation interacts with biological tissues, it can lead to the formation of free radicals, which then actively seek out electrons to stabilize themselves. This quest for stability results in the free radicals interacting with nearby molecules, such as DNA, lipids, and proteins.

When free radicals damage DNA, they can lead to mutations, which may eventually contribute to processes like cancer. Similarly, lipid peroxidation can compromise cell membranes, affecting their integrity and functionality. Additionally, proteins can be altered or denatured, disrupting various cellular processes.

The ability of free radicals to induce this extensive damage is a key reason they are a central concern in radiation biology. Moreover, while some cellular mechanisms may be activated in response to the damage caused by free radicals, their primary role is indeed to propagate further injury rather than simply instigating repair or promoting other cellular activities, such as metabolism or growth.