What impacts do free radicals have on cells within the body?

Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that contain unpaired electrons, which can lead to oxidative stress within cells. These molecules can interact with various cellular components, including lipids, proteins, and DNA. When free radicals attack these components, they can cause structural damage and functional impairment, leading to a range of negative effects on cell health. This cellular damage can contribute to various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.

The damaging effects of free radicals are significant because they can initiate chain reactions that further produce more free radicals, exacerbating the damage. This is why antioxidants are often discussed in relation to free radicals—they can neutralize free radicals and help mitigate their harmful effects.

In contrast, the other options describe different processes that are generally not associated with the actions of free radicals. For example, free radicals do not enhance cell division, protect cellular integrity, or stimulate growth factors; in fact, their presence often disrupts these processes rather than promotes them.