Free radicals are formed through

Options

A. Oxidation
B. Reduction
C. Hydrolysis
D. Synthesis

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Free Radicals**: Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that have unpaired electrons. They can cause damage to cells and are often associated with various diseases and aging.

2. **Identifying the Processes**: The question provides four processes: oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, and synthesis. We need to determine which of these processes leads to the formation of free radicals.

3. **Analyzing Each Option**:
- **Synthesis**: This process involves the formation of biomolecules and does not typically lead to the creation of free radicals.
- **Hydrolysis**: This is the breakdown of molecules in the presence of water. While it can involve reactive species, it is not primarily associated with free radical formation.
- **Reduction**: This process involves the acceptance of electrons and protons or the release of oxygen. It generally does not lead to free radical formation.
- **Oxidation**: This process involves the loss of electrons and protons or a reaction with oxygen. It is well-known that oxidation can lead to the formation of free radicals.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, free radicals are primarily formed through the process of oxidation. Therefore, the correct answer is option number one: **oxidation**.