What is the outcome when a substance is reduced in a redox reaction?

In a redox reaction, reduction refers to the gain of electrons by a substance. This is a key concept in understanding redox (reduction-oxidation) reactions, where one species is reduced while another is oxidized. When a substance gains an electron, its oxidation state decreases, which is characteristic of the reduction process.

The acceptance of an electron allows the reduced substance to potentially participate in further chemical reactions, often leading to the formation of new products. This process is essential in various biological systems, including cellular respiration and photosynthesis, where electron transfer plays a critical role in energy conversion.

Understanding this concept is fundamental for studying biochemical pathways and the behavior of substances in reactions, making it an important aspect of the IB Diploma Biology curriculum.