Reduction-Oxidation Reactions in Biological Systems

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Reduction-Oxidation

Reactions in Biological
Systems
The diversity we see in nature is not
possible without the chemical reactions that
take place at the cellular level.
Metabolism

● Metabolism refers to
the various chemical
reactions that take place
in organisms to allow
maintenance of normal
functions and survival.
The generation of energy from
food is one of the most
important processes involved
in metabolism.
Metabolism refers to the various chemical
reactions that take place in organisms to
allow maintenance of normal functions and
survival.
Metabolism

Processes

Catabolism Anabolism

It refers to the series of It refers to the series of


reactions that involve reactions that involve
breaking down larger or synthesizing more
more complex molecules complex molecules from
into smaller or simpler simpler ones.
ones.
Metabolism

Anabolism and catabolism constitute the metabolic machinery


of cells. They play major roles in the synthesis of biological
molecules and the generation of energy.
What are
oxidation/reduction
reactions?
Oxidation/Reduction Reactions

Processes

Reduction Oxidation

Reduction reactions Oxidation reactions


involve gaining involve the loss of
electrons. electrons.
Oxidation/Reduction Reactions

The chemical that loses electrons is said to be oxidized,


whereas the one that receives electrons is said to be reduced.
Oxidation/Reduction Reactions

When taken
together,
oxidation/
reduction
reactions
are known
The chemical that loses electrons is said to as redox
be oxidized, whereas the one that receives reactions.
electrons is said to be reduced.
Redox Enzymes

Redox Enzymes

● Redox enzymes are


those that catalyze
redox reactions between
Photosynthesis is a process
different molecules.
in plants that involves redox
reactions.
What are the real-life
applications of redox
reactions?
Examples of Processes Involving Redox Reaction

Aerobic Respiration, Free radical


Oxidative reactions
Phosphorylation

Redox Examples

Photosynthesis
Redox: Aerobic Respiration

Processes

Glycolysis Krebs Cycle

This process involves This cycle involves


the splitting of glucose oxygen and the use of
molecules in order to the pyruvate products of
generate energy. glycolysis.
Redox: Aerobic Respiration

Glycolysis involves a series of redox reactions that ultimately


produces two molecules of pyruvate from every glucose
molecule.
Redox: Aerobic Respiration

Redox reactions in
Krebs’ cycle take place as
NADH and FADH2 are
produced.
Redox: Oxidative Phosphorylation

● Chemiosmosis
and the
electron
transport chain
are part of the
process of
oxidative
The electron transport
phosphorylatio
chain
Redox: Oxidative Phosphorylation

● This mechanism
of ATP synthesis
involves the
transfer of
electrons from
NADH and
FADH2.
The electron transport
chain
Redox: Photosynthesis

2 H2O → O2 + 4H+ (shows the oxidation of water)


4H+ + CO2 → (CH2O) + H2O (shows the reduction of
CO2)
Transfer of electrons in photosynthesis occurs from
water to carbon dioxide, specifically through the
oxidation of water (with the help of solar energy) and
the reduction of carbon.
Redox: Free Radical Reactions

Free Radicals

● Free radicals refer to


uncharged atoms or
molecules that are very
reactive because of the
presence of an unpaired
Free radical (left) and
electron.
antioxidants (right)
Redox: Free Radical Reactions

Free Radicals

● The presence of free


radicals in the body can
pose many problems due
to the damage that they
can cause.
Free radical (left) and
antioxidants (right)
Redox: Free Radical Reactions

Free Radicals

● The body can counteract


the damage, and
antioxidants can help by
donating electrons to
prevent damages to the
Free radical (left) and
body tissues.
antioxidants (right)
Redox: Free Radical Reactions

Free Radicals

● Antioxidants can help by


donating electrons to
prevent damages to the
body tissues.

Free radical (left) and


antioxidants (right)
What are examples of food
that are rich in
antioxidants?
Identify the term being described in each of the
statements below.

1. This refers to the synthesis of larger molecules from


smaller ones.
2. This refers to the breakdown of larger molecules to
smaller ones.
3. This type of reaction involves gaining elections.
Write true if the statement is accurate and false
if otherwise.

1. The link between glycolysis and the Krebs cycle involves


redox reactions.
2. The electron transport chain involves the breakdown of
glucose by using electrons.
3. All enzymes take part in redox reactions.
4. Photosynthesis is a perfect example of a catabolic
pathway.
5. Endergonic reactions are considered spontaneous.
● Metabolism refers to the various chemical
reactions that take place in organisms that
help them maintain their normal functions and
survive.

● Anabolism refers to the set of reactions that


involve synthesizing more complex
molecules from simpler ones. An example of
● Catabolism refers to the set of reactions that
involve breaking down larger or more
complex molecules into smaller or simpler
ones. This includes cell respiration and
digestion.

● Reduction reactions involve gaining


electrons, while oxidation reactions involve
● Oxidation/reduction reactions, also known as
redox reactions, involve reactants that are
either oxidized or reduced in the process.
○ Various biological processes involve redox
reactions such as glycolysis, Krebs’ cycle,
oxidative phosphorylation, and
photosynthesis.
Redox reactions involve molecules that receive or donate
electrons in the process.
Challenge Yourself

Why is the splitting of glucose


necessary in glycolysis?

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