Reduction

Definition

In the context of metabolism and nutrition, reduction is a chemical reaction that involves the gain of electrons or a decrease in oxidation state by a molecule, atom, or ion. This process is crucial for energy transfer in cells and plays a key role in metabolic pathways such as cellular respiration.

Related terms

Oxidation: A chemical reaction that involves the loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state by a molecule, atom, or ion.

Cellular Respiration:

A series of metabolic processes that convert food into energy (ATP) in the presence of oxygen, involving both reduction and oxidation reactions.

Electron Transport Chain:

A sequence of electron carriers that transfer electrons down a series of redox reactions to produce ATP through oxidative phosphorylation