Question

Oxidation reactions in biological systems generally involve

A) addition of electrons and hydrogen ions.
B) loss of electrons and hydrogen ions.
C) addition of electrons and loss of hydrogen ions.
D) loss of electrons and addition of hydrogen ions.
E) loss of electrons and either addition or loss of hydrogen ions.

Answer 1

In biological systems, oxidation is characterized by the loss of electrons and hydrogen ions, significant in processes like cellular respiration and photosynthesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

In biological systems, oxidation reactions are typically characterized by the loss of electrons along with the loss or removal of hydrogen ions (H+).

This can manifest as either the actual loss of electrons or the transfer of hydrogen atoms (each hydrogen atom consists of one electron and one proton). Consequently, the correct answer to the student's question is B) loss of electrons and hydrogen ions.

This is evidenced in biological processes like cellular respiration and photosynthesis, where redox reactions play critical roles in transforming substances and transferring energy within cells.