Metabolism and Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

Metabolism

Collection of all biochemical reactions in organisms.

Oxidation

Reaction involving loss of electrons.

Reduction

Reaction involving gain of electrons.

Redox Reactions

Reactions involving electron transfer between reactants.

Exergonic Reaction

Reaction that releases energy, e.g., combustion.

Combustion

Rapid chemical combination with oxygen.

Energy Storage

Energy stored in glycogen, starch, and lipids.

Potential Energy

Energy stored in chemical bonds.

Covalent Bonds

Bonds formed by electron sharing.

OIL RIG

Mnemonic: Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain.

LEO the Lion says GER

Mnemonic: Loss Equals Oxidation, Gain Equals Reduction.

Combustion of Glucose

C6H12O6 + 6 O2 → 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + 686,000 cal/mol.

Electron Transfer

Movement of electrons between reactants in reactions.

Hydrogen Reduction

e- + H+ → H, more hydrogens indicate reduction.

Oxidation of Cellular Fuel

C6H12O6 oxidized to CO2, releasing energy.

Rule of Redox

Oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously.

Example of Redox

Na + Cl → Na+ + Cl-; Na oxidized, Cl reduced.

Energy Release

Excess energy released when electrons rearranged.

Rust Formation

Oxidation of iron, a slow combustion process.

ATP Synthesis

Driven by released free energy from reactions.

Electron Energy Loss

Electrons lose energy with each transfer.