Index Electron Micrograph of mitochondria in mouse skeletal muscle.
Mitochondria are the main source of energy within the cell and are essential for multicelluar life.
An unavoidable byproduct is the production of free radicals. A major theory of aging proposes that these free radicals are a significant source of oxidative damage associated with aging, and this contributes to the inability to maintain optimal cellular function with age . The Melov laboratory does not respond to personal health advice requests. Please see your health care provider for answers to questions about personal health and antioxidants, longevity, or disease. Superoxide has the potential of detrimentally reacting with a wide range of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.