Reduction

Reduction is the reverse of oxidation. Although oxidation of substrates is often a good source of energy in the absense of oxygen (anaerobic conditions) organisms are forced to balance oxidations with reductions. So although carbon 1 of lactate is more oxidised than a sugar, carbon 3 is reduced.

Carboxylic acids can be reduced to aldehydes. Aldehydes and ketones can be reduced to alcohols. Alcohols can be reduced - replacing the hydroxyl group with hydrogen.

Author: Jon Maber