Orthodox molecules, by contrast, are shepherded or chaperoned by enzymes as they progress along specific, restricted metabolic pathways. Those proper, orderly pathways transform a given orthodox molecule into another orthodox molecule. When protein (orthodox) is digested by enzymes, for example, the product is naturally-occurring aminio acids (also othordox).
But, while unorthodox molecules may be produced from orthodox molecules by means of the randomizing processes referred to above, it would seem that what might be referred to as hybrid molecules would often be produced at the begining of the process. Part of a molecule that had been altered might be still be orthodox and thus able to bind in the same way as before. But the rest of the hybrid molecule would probably be non-functional and the over-all result would likely constitute a monkey wrench thrown into the metabolic machinery.
One speaks of the harm done by free radicals. Isn't the real issue with free radicals the fomation of compounds that have unpredictable chemical structures? One also hears a good deal these days about anti-oxidants. But oxygen is necessary for normal human metabolism. The real issue, rather than free radicals or antioxidants, seems to us to be unorthodox or non-standard molecules that are, so to speak, words not found in Mother Nature's biochemical dictionary.
Living things and ecological systems have considerable ability to deal with unorthodox molecules. Think about the ecosystem of our planet as an example. Ordinarily, oxidation solves most of the problem. If oxidation of an unorthodox molecule is complete, the resulting products might be mostly carbon dioxide and water. Neither substance is "unorthodox." Indeed, those two molecules are the epitome of orthodoxy. (Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, of course, but that�s another subject.)
So there's often a cycle and breaking-down process can eventually restore regularity. However: many, perhaps most unorthodox molecules produced by partial oxidation or radiation ARE TOXIC during the time they do exist and before they undergo further decomposition.
That's the basis for our concern regarding radiation of mail and foods.
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