Question

3 — vitamin e
learning objective: indicate the type, source, and role of vitamin e in the body.
how does vitamin e function as an antioxidant?

a.) it prevents the breakdown of red blood cells.

b.) it donates electrons to neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative damage.

c.) it activates the production of immune cells.

d.) it blocks the absorption of harmful substances from food.

Explanation:

Antioxidants function by neutralizing free radicals (unstable molecules with unpaired electrons). Vitamin E, as an antioxidant, donates electrons to these free radicals, stabilizing them and preventing oxidative damage to cells. Option a is about red blood cell breakdown prevention (not the core antioxidant mechanism), option c is about immune cell production (not direct antioxidant action), and option d is about blocking harmful substance absorption (not related to antioxidant activity via electron donation).

Answer:

b.) It donates electrons to neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative damage.