Total and half-reaction equations for respiratory responses
Respiration is an oxidation-reduction reaction. Redox reactions can be divided into reactions in which an oxidizing agent receives electrons, and reactions in which a reducing agent gives electrons. The divided reaction equation is called a half-reaction equation. Write down the total reaction and half-reaction equations of oxygen respiration.
All reactions of oxidation of formaldehyde (oxygen respiration)
In its original form (before the reaction), the reducing agent is CH2O and the oxidizing agent is O2. Considering the electron transfer between the oxidizing and reducing agents, the half-reaction can be written as follows. Since there is plenty of water (2H2O) in the surroundings, when creating a half-reaction formula, H2O and 4H+ should be added so that the number of hydrogen atoms and oxygen atoms match.
CH2O + H2O → CO2 + 4H+ + 4e-
The redox reaction can also proceed in the opposite direction depending on the conditions. For example, reverse the entire reaction of oxygen respiration.
This is the production of organic matter
through photosynthesis.
The oxidizing agent in the left side is CO2
and the reducing agent is H2O.
Originally, it is not possible to determine which way to proceed with only the reaction formula of the oxidation-reduction reaction. Since we don't know which way it will go, it is a chemical rule to put the oxidizing agent in the original form (left side) and connect it with an equal sign (=).
CO2 + 4H+
+ 4e- = CH2O + H2O
I will explain how to make a half-reaction formula in LASBOS Moodle's analytical chemistry (to be provided by Ohki). Please wait. It is described in detail in general chemistry textbooks, so please study there.