Definition
Definition
Oxidation is the chemical reaction (which is better called redox rather than oxidation only) in which a chemical element reacts with oxygen. The chemical body gives up electrons: it is therefore considered a reducing agent.
Generally speaking, a chemical reaction during which there is a transfer of electrons from one body (reducer) to another (oxidant) is an oxidation reaction.
This is why a chemical reaction involving oxidation is automatically accompanied by a reduction.
In other words, an oxidation-reduction involves two agents:
- 1 oxidizing agent (the best known is atmospheric oxygen) which captures electrons
- 1 reducing agent which gives them to him.
In the human body, the redox reaction involves different substances that are oxidized by enzymes. These are oxidases or dehydrogenases, which provide energy to cells.
This oxidation-reduction generates free radicals, the multiplication of which contributes to cellular aging.