Oxidation reduction reactions

a) occur via the gain of hydrogen or the loss of oxygen
b) utilize hydrogenases
c) require oxidases
d) are rarely coupled together

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a

The correct answer is c) require oxidases.

To arrive at this answer, let's break down each option:

a) occur via the gain of hydrogen or the loss of oxygen: This statement accurately defines some types of oxidation-reduction reactions. Oxidation involves the loss of electrons, and reduction involves the gain of electrons. Hydrogen gain or oxygen loss can be involved in certain reactions, but it is not a general rule for all oxidation-reduction reactions.

b) utilize hydrogenases: Hydrogenases are enzymes that catalyze the reversible oxidation and reduction of molecular hydrogen (H2). While hydrogenases are indeed involved in some oxidation-reduction reactions, they are not universally utilized in all such reactions.

c) require oxidases: Oxidases are enzymes that catalyze the transfer of electrons from a substrate to an electron acceptor, typically an oxygen molecule (O2). They play a key role in many oxidation-reduction reactions, facilitating the removal of specific electrons from a substrate. Therefore, this statement is correct.

d) are rarely coupled together: This statement is incorrect. Coupling of oxidation-reduction reactions is a common occurrence. In fact, many biological processes rely on coupled redox reactions to transfer energy and facilitate metabolic processes.

Based on this analysis, the correct answer is c) require oxidases, as oxidases are necessary for the catalysis of oxidation-reduction reactions.