hidroxilgyök

The term "hidroxilgyök" is the Hungarian word for hydroxyl radical. A hydroxyl radical, with the chemical formula •OH, is an electrically neutral molecule that contains a single unpaired electron. This unpaired electron makes it highly reactive and a potent oxidizing agent. In aqueous solution, it is often formed from the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide, for example, through reactions involving transition metals like iron (Fenton reaction) or through high-energy radiation. Hydroxyl radicals play significant roles in various chemical and biological processes. In the environment, they are key intermediates in atmospheric chemistry and in the degradation of pollutants in water. Biologically, they are implicated in cellular damage, particularly oxidative stress, which is linked to aging and various diseases. Despite their destructive potential, hydroxyl radicals are also involved in essential biological functions, such as the immune response. Their short lifespan and high reactivity mean they typically react very close to where they are generated.