Which is the primary consequence of free radical damage on cell membranes?

Which is the primary consequence of free radical damage on cell membranes?

• A. Lipid peroxidation leading to membrane damage
• B. Increased ATP production
• C. Strengthening of lipid bilayer
• D. Decreased protein synthesis without membrane damage

Answer: (A)

Free radicals attack the lipids in the cell membrane, especially the polyunsaturated fatty acids, initiating lipid peroxidation. This chain reaction damages phospholipids, altering membrane structure and fluidity. As lipid peroxidation progresses, the membrane becomes more permeable and less able to maintain ion gradients, leading to leakage of ions and small molecules and disruption of membrane proteins. This disruption of membrane integrity is the primary consequence of free radical damage to cell membranes. The other options don’t reflect the immediate effect: ATP production isn’t increased by oxidative membrane damage, the membrane structure isn’t strengthened by radicals, and the direct consequence is membrane injury rather than a standalone drop in protein synthesis without membrane damage.

Free radicals attack the lipids in the cell membrane, especially the polyunsaturated fatty acids, initiating lipid peroxidation. This chain reaction damages phospholipids, altering membrane structure and fluidity. As lipid peroxidation progresses, the membrane becomes more permeable and less able to maintain ion gradients, leading to leakage of ions and small molecules and disruption of membrane proteins. This disruption of membrane integrity is the primary consequence of free radical damage to cell membranes. The other options don’t reflect the immediate effect: ATP production isn’t increased by oxidative membrane damage, the membrane structure isn’t strengthened by radicals, and the direct consequence is membrane injury rather than a standalone drop in protein synthesis without membrane damage.