| oxidant | A molecule or atom that accepts electrons in an oxidation-reduction reaction. (09 Oct 1997) |
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| oxidants | Oxidizing agents or electron-accepting molecules in chemical reactions in which electrons are transferred from one molecule to another (oxidation-reduction). In vivo, it appears that phagocyte-generated oxidants function as tumour promoters or cocarcinogens rather than as complete carcinogens perhaps because of the high levels of endogenous antioxidant defenses. It is also thought that oxidative damage in joints may trigger the autoimmune response that characterises the persistence of the rheumatoid disease process. (12 Dec 1998) |
| oxidants, photochemical | Compounds that accept electrons in an oxidation-reduction reaction. The reaction is induced by or accelerated by exposure to electromagnetic radiation in the spectrum of visible or ultraviolet light. (12 Dec 1998) |