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

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SUMMARY

Oxidation is defined as an increase in oxidation number, specifically involving the loss of one or more electrons during a chemical reaction. In biological systems, animals release energy through the oxidation of food, particularly through the breakdown of complex molecules like glucose. This process is essential for energy production in living organisms and is closely linked to cellular respiration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic chemistry concepts, particularly redox reactions.
  • Familiarity with cellular respiration processes.
  • Knowledge of glucose metabolism and its role in energy production.
  • Basic grasp of oxidation numbers and electron transfer in reactions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of redox reactions in detail.
  • Learn about cellular respiration and its stages, including glycolysis and the Krebs cycle.
  • Explore the biochemical pathways involved in glucose oxidation.
  • Investigate the role of enzymes in facilitating oxidation reactions in biological systems.
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Students of biology, biochemistry researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the biochemical processes of energy release in animals.

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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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