When do free radicals produce more free radicals?

Free radicals produce more free radicals primarily during oxidation reactions. This process occurs when an atom or molecule loses an electron, typically to oxygen, creating a free radical. Free radicals are highly reactive substances that seek to stabilize themselves, often by capturing electrons from neighboring molecules. This chain reaction of electron theft can continue, leading to the generation of additional free radicals.

In contrast, while repairing cells can involve processes that stabilize free radicals, it does not inherently increase their production. During sleep, the body engages in restorative processes, but free radical generation is not specifically heightened at this time. Consuming antioxidants, on the other hand, helps neutralize free radicals and reduces their numbers, thereby preventing the propagation of free radical damage rather than fostering it. Therefore, the generation of free radicals is significantly linked to oxidation reactions where they proliferate due to their inherent instability and desire to bond with other molecules.