[Reactive oxygen species and aging of organism]

Abstract

The review is devoted for reactive oxygen species (ROS). Numerous processes of cellular oxidation proceed through the stage of free radicals. These radicals containing odd electrons are formed in the course of many biochemical reactions. As a result of aging, as well as action of various environmental factors, eg. ionizing radiation or different chemical compounds synthesis of free radicals increases, whereas the detoxication ability decreases. Free radicals: O(2-)*, *OH, ROO*, RO* and O3, H2O2, singlet oxygen may be removed by means of defence systems of living organism and antioxidants.