Redox reaction

Definition

A redox reaction is a chemical process involving the transfer of electrons between two substances. It consists of two parts: oxidation, where a substance loses electrons, and reduction, where a substance gains electrons.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Redox reactions play a crucial role in cellular respiration and photosynthesis.
2. In microbial metabolism, redox reactions are essential for the production of ATP through processes like glycolysis and the electron transport chain.
3. Enzymes called oxidoreductases facilitate redox reactions in cells.
4. NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a common electron carrier involved in redox reactions.
5. The redox state of a cell can influence its metabolic pathways and energy production.

Review Questions

• What role do redox reactions play in microbial metabolism?
• How do enzymes facilitate redox reactions within cells?
• What is the significance of NAD+ in microbial redox reactions?

Related terms

Oxidation: The process by which a substance loses electrons during a chemical reaction.

Reduction: The process by which a substance gains electrons during a chemical reaction.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC): A series of protein complexes that transfer electrons through membrane-bound carriers to create a proton gradient that produces ATP.