What is reduction, Biology

Assignment Help:

What is reduction?

The most commonly understood definition of reduction is the removal of oxygen or addition of hydrogen ions. However, chemically, reduction can be defined as gain of electrons just as oxidation is loss of electrons. Let us look at the illustration:

 

18_What is reduction.png

Thus, the substance that a gains electron is reduced and that loses electrons is oxidized. In the above equations, cupric gains electrons and becomes cuprous in reduction and vice versa in oxidation. In an oxidation-reduction reaction, the electron donor is oxidized and the electron acceptor is reduced. See the reaction below:

2Na + Cl2 → NaCl

The sodium is oxidized since it has lost electrons and chloride is reduced as it has gained those electrons. In organic reactions, oxidation-reduction reactions usually involve loss or gain of hydrogen. Thus, to summarize, reduction is gain of electrons, gain of hydrogen or removal of oxygen and oxidation is loss of electrons, gain of oxygen or loss of hydrogen.


Related Discussions:- What is reduction

What is the kind of reproduction that occurs in roundworms, Q. What is the ...

Q. What is the kind of reproduction that occurs in roundworms? What usual feature do nematode sperm cells have? Nematodes reproduce sexually. The nematode sperm cell does not h

Define volumetric flasks - nutritional biochemistry, Define volumetric flas...

Define volumetric flasks - Nutritional Biochemistry A volumetric flask is used to make up a solution of fixed volume very accurately. It is calibrated to contain a particular v

Human lungs, Human lungs A pair of spongy, elastic and bag like stru...

Human lungs A pair of spongy, elastic and bag like structures of lungs is present in the chest cavity, one on either side of the heart. Lungs are enclosed by a double lay

How many different molecules composed, How many different molecules compose...

How many different molecules composed of (A) two (B) three, and (C) four amino acids, linked together by peptide bonds, can be made from the set of 20 naturally occurring amino aci

Copulation, COPUL A TIO N - Followed with the help of penis. Sperms ...

COPUL A TIO N - Followed with the help of penis. Sperms are ejaculated deep in vagina. Polyestrous i.e. can capulate any time thorughout the year.

Evolutionary novelty presented by annelids, Q. What is the major evolutiona...

Q. What is the major evolutionary novelty presented by annelids? The main evolutionary novelty presented by the beings of the phylum Annelida is the coelom, the internal body c

Coronal disassembly devices-grasping instruments, Grasping instruments ...

Grasping instruments -Plier or clamp forceps -put piece of rubber in the plier                                 -applied on the buccal and lingual surface -make pressure to

What are plankton and benthos, What are plankton, nekton and benthos? P...

What are plankton, nekton and benthos? Plankton, nekton and benthos are the three groups into which aquatic living beings may be separated. The plankton is formed by the alg

Regulation of testicular, Normal 0 false false false EN...

Normal 0 false false false EN-IN X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Taxonomy, Explain cytological approach in taxonomy.

Explain cytological approach in taxonomy.

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd