redox potential
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ox·i·da·tion-re·duc·tion po·ten·tial (E0+),
the potential in volts of an inert metallic electrode measured in a system of an arbitrarily chosen ratio of [oxidant] to [reductant] and referred to the normal hydrogen electrode at absolute temperature; it is calculated from the following equation; where R is the gas constant expressed in electrical units, T the absolute temperature (Kelvin), n the number of electrons transferred, F the faraday, and E0 the normal symbol for the potential of the system at pH 0; for biologic systems, E0' is often used (in which pH = 7). Compare: Nernst equation.
Synonym(s): redox potential
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
redox potential
a quantitative measurement of the willingness of an electron carrier to act as a red ucing or ox idizing agent. Redox potential is measured in volts; the more negative the value, the better the carrier will act as a reducing agent. Thus, in an ELECTRON TRANSPORT SYSTEM the carriers are arranged in order of increasing redox potentials (negative to positive). For example, in Fig. 211 ferredoxin has a lower (more negative) redox potential than plastoquinone which has a higher value (less negative).Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005