Free-radical theory of aging
（重定向自Free radical theory）
![In chemistry, a free radical is any atom, molecule, or ion with an unpaired valence electron](/Images/godic/202501/14/Free-radicals-oxygen0756.jpg")
![Major sources of Reactive oxygen species in living systems](/Images/godic/202501/14/Major_cellular_sources_of_Reactive_Oxygen_Species_in_living_cells0756.jpg")
The free radical theory of aging (FRTA) states that organisms age because cells accumulate free radical damage over time. A free radical is any atom or molecule that has a single unpaired electron in an outer shell. While a few free radicals such as melanin are not chemically reactive, most biologically-relevant free radicals are highly reactive. For most biological structures, free radical damage is closely associated with oxidative damage. Antioxidants are reducing agents, and limit oxidative damage to biological structures by passivating them from free radicals.