How might male reproductive health suffer due to inadequate ...

[oliviahorn72]

How might male reproductive health suffer due to inadequate intake of antioxidant nutrients?

Question 2

One of the reasons why acid-base balance is so important for the body is that:
 
 a. highly acidic conditions cause vital proteins to denature.
  b. highly acidic conditions cause the destruction of certain fatty acids.
  c. acid-base imbalances contribute to the destruction of hormones.
  d. acid-base imbalances compromise growth in children.

[aruss1303]

Answer to Question 1

Antioxidant nutrients are needed to protect cells of the reproductive system, including eggs and sperm, from damage due to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when the production of potentially destructive reactive oxygen molecules (free radicals) exceeds the body's own antioxidant defenses. Reactive oxygen molecules attack polyunsaturated fatty acids in sperm membranes, and that decreases sperm motility and reduces the ability of sperm to fuse with an egg. Once the membrane surrounding sperm is damaged, reactive oxygen molecules can enter the sperm cell and damage DNA. This can result in the passage of defective DNA.

Answer to Question 2

a