RESEARCH TARGETS FREE RADICAL FIGHTER British researchers say they've been able to see the structure of a key energy-releasing enzyme that minimizes free radical production in animals. The Imperial College of London team visualized the entire molecular structure of succinate dehydrogenase in the bacterium E. coli and saw how the protein's 3-D shape helps prevent the formation the destructive oxygen atoms, which are a by-product of cellular respiration and can damage cell function. Professor Paul Fremont said the complex metabolic enzyme "protects the bacterium from self-inflicted damage and lies at the heart of the cell's energy powerhouse. It acts like a built in anti-pollution system, and has significant implications for understanding human aging." The next step is to engineer succinate dehydrogenase to maximize its efficiency. United Press International, 1/03 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.