Antioxidant
A molecule that prevents oxidation of other molecules by neutralizing free radicals. Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative damage that accumulates with age and stress.
Used in the Books
This term appears in 2 chapters:
"Autophagy activates. Stress resistance pathways engage (FOXO and HSF1 transcription factors activate, producing antioxidant enzymes and heat shock proteins). This is the K-strategy: survive until conditions improve. Maintain, repair, wait."
"... reds, oranges, and yellows come from dietary pigments that animals cannot synthesize - they must be obtained from food. Carotenoids also function as antioxidants and immune boosters. Displaying bright carotenoid coloration means diverting valuable resources from health maintenance to signal production."
Biological Context
Cells produce antioxidants (like glutathione) and obtain them from food (vitamins C and E, flavonoids). Oxidative stress—when free radical production exceeds antioxidant capacity—damages DNA, proteins, and membranes. Plants produce antioxidants for their own protection.
Business Application
Organizational antioxidants: mechanisms that neutralize damaging forces before they cause harm. Quality control, risk management, and cultural practices that catch problems early are antioxidant functions—they prevent accumulated damage from degrading organizational health.