What is oxidation and how does it relate to animal energy release?

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Oxidation is defined as an increase in oxidation number, typically involving the loss of electrons during a chemical reaction. In biological systems, animals release energy by oxidizing food, such as converting glucose into simpler molecules. This process is essential for energy production in cells. Understanding oxidation is crucial for grasping how respiration and energy release occur in living organisms. The discussion emphasizes the fundamental role of oxidation in metabolic processes.
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according to my biology textbook, it says that animals release energy by oxidation of food, can anybody tell me that what is oxidation?
 
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jacklwk said:
according to my biology textbook, it says that animals release energy by oxidation of food, can anybody tell me that what is oxidation?
Oxidation is simply an increase in oxidation number. More practically, it is the loss of one or more electrons in a reaction. When the body converts complex molecules into simple ones (such as the oxidation of glucose), it often oxidizes those molecules.

More on oxidation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redox

More on respiration:
http://www.3rd1000.com/chem301/chem302x.htm
http://www.chemsoc.org/networks/learnnet/cfb/respiration.htm
 
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