The Significance of Redox Reactions in Biological Systems

This assignment explores the critical role of oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions in biological systems. It highlights how redox reactions, particularly cellular respiration, are fundamental to life. The assignment explains how the process of cellular respiration uses glucose and other nutrients to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules, providing the necessary energy for cellular processes. It emphasizes that without this process, cells cannot function, and therefore, living organisms cannot survive. The assignment references several sources to support the importance of redox reactions in biological systems. The redox reactions are fundamental to life, as they are the basis for energy production and the sustenance of all living beings. The assignment emphasizes the significance of this chemical process for the existence of both plants and animals.

Running head: CHEMICAL REACTIONS
Oxidation/Reduction as an Essential Chemical Reactions for the Existence of Life
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Author note

1CHEMICAL REACTIONS
An Oxidation-reduction or redox reaction occurs through gaining or loosing electrons
by any chemical compound during chemical reaction. For example in the formula of aerobic
metabolism of glucose: C6H12O6 + 6O2 --> 6CO2 + 6H2O+energy, the carbon in glucose
moves from oxidation state of zero to oxidation state +4 and oxygen moves from zero to -2
(Dashty, 2013)
Through the presented chemical reaction which is an aerobic metabolic process, is a
process of cellular respiration of any living being through which cell makes energy through
glycolysis. The cells uses this chemical process to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
molecules by using glucose and other nutrients while producing biochemical energy (Sies,
2015). Without the cellular respiration process that fuel the other cellular procedures by
energy, a cell cannot exist due to lack of cellular energy. Improper occurrence of this reaction
will not allow cells to produce adequate energy to live (Cox et al., 2013). If the cellular
respiration through Oxidation-reduction or redox reaction does not occur properly all living
cells will die and will become unsustainable. As a result, without this reaction both animals
and plants cannot exist.
Considering the significance of the redox reaction, it can be said that this chemical
reaction is equivalent to life. There are many chemical reaction that continuously occurs in
human body and the bodies of other living being. However, Oxidation-reduction or redox
reaction is the fundamental biochemical procedure that defines the existence of life.

2CHEMICAL REACTIONS
References
Cox, N., Pantazis, D.A., Neese, F. and Lubitz, W., 2013. Biological water
oxidation. Accounts of chemical research, 46(7), pp.1588-1596.
Dashty, M. (2013). A quick look at biochemistry: carbohydrate metabolism. Clinical
biochemistry, 46(15), 1339-1352.
Sies, H. (2015). Oxidative stress: a concept in redox biology and medicine. Redox biology, 4,
180-183.