Reactive oxygen species can cause damage through various mechanisms. The most common is lipid peroxidation, where ROS attack the unsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes, leading to compromised membrane integrity and cell lysis. Protein oxidation alters the structure and function of proteins, affecting enzymatic activities and cell signaling pathways. DNA oxidation can lead to mutations, strand breaks, and chromosomal aberrations, potentially resulting in cancer and other genetic disorders.
