Section 1: The Chemistry of Oxygen
Introduction to atmospheric O2, mitochondrial respiration models, and why cellular respiration generates small leakages of unpaired electrons (Free Radicals).
Section 2: Meeting Free Radicals
Visual models demonstrating ROS (hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide, singlet oxygen) attacking cellular walls, membrane lipids, and chromatin lines.
Section 3: The Antioxidant Defense Shields
Analyzing superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and Glutathione Reductase actions. Differentiating from organic molecules (Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Flavonoids).
Section 4: The Marketing Vs. The Science
Critical evaluation of the food supplement industry. Explaining why raw supplemental flooding could trigger "Reductive Stress" and interfere with optimal mitochondria signaling.
Teacher Coordination Note
Teacher guidance and speaker review briefs are fully integrated with classroom Q&A protocols on Slide 28. Provided with support from Domake Science centers.
Included Resource File: What are Antioxidants? Mechanisms & Truths (16.45KB) / 2 slides