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REDOX Reaction of Glucose during Metabolism C6H12O6 + 6O2 ––––> 6CO2 + 6H2O 1. W

ID: 1061894 • Letter: R

Question

REDOX Reaction of Glucose during Metabolism

C6H12O6 + 6O2 ––––> 6CO2 + 6H2O

1. Which atoms are being oxidized? Which atoms are being reduced? What is the total number of electrons being transferred?

2. Assuming that this reaction occurs in acidic aqueous solution, what would we add to the reactants or products to balance the half reaction in terms of atoms? Write the half reaction, balanced with respect to atoms. You can use the FAD/FADH2 abbreviations.

3. Which side of the half-reaction do we put the electrons on? Is this an oxidation or a reduction? Write the equation for the balanced half reaction.

Explanation / Answer

1. Which atoms are being oxidized? Which atoms are being reduced? What is the total number of electrons being transferred?

C6H12O6 + 6O2 ––––> 6CO2 + 6H2O

O goes from 0 to -2; therefore, gains electrons, it is reducing

C goes from 0 to +4; therefore, losses electrons, it is oxidized

actual number of electrons is:

O goes from 0 -> -2; then 2 mol per O-2, that is, 6*2*2 = 24 electrons