Reduction reaction

Definition

A reduction reaction is a chemical process in which a molecule, atom, or ion gains electrons. This process often leads to a decrease in oxidation state and is essential in various metabolic pathways.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Reduction reactions are integral to cellular respiration and photosynthesis.
2. In microbiology, these reactions often involve the transfer of electrons to electron carriers like NAD+ and FAD.
3. Reduction is usually coupled with oxidation reactions (redox reactions).
4. The gain of hydrogen atoms by a molecule typically signifies reduction.
5. Enzymes that facilitate reduction reactions are called reductases.

Review Questions

• What happens to an atom or molecule during a reduction reaction?
• Name one key electron carrier involved in microbial metabolic reduction reactions.
• How do reduction and oxidation reactions relate to each other?

Related terms

Oxidation Reaction: A chemical process where a molecule, atom, or ion loses electrons.

Redox Reaction: A type of chemical reaction that involves the transfer of electrons between two species, encompassing both reduction and oxidation.

Electron Carrier: Molecules like NAD+ and FAD that transport electrons during metabolic reactions.