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Definition

noun

A chemical reaction involving both reduction and oxidation, which results in changes in oxidation numbers of atoms included in the reaction.

Supplement

Redox reaction involves oxidation where there is an increase in oxidation number, and reduction where there is a decrease in oxidation number. It is involved in many important biological processes, such as cellular respiration and photosynthesis. In cellular respiration, for instance, redox reaction occurs when glucose is oxidized to carbon dioxide whereas oxygen is reduced to water.

Variant: oxidation reduction reaction

See also: reduction, oxidation.