oxidativa

Oxidativa is a term used in several Romance languages to describe processes that involve oxidation, the loss of electrons by a chemical species or an increase in its oxidation state. The word is the feminine form of oxidativo or ossidativo and is used to modify feminine nouns, as in reacciones oxidativas, fosforilación oxidativa, or metabolismo oxidativo.

In chemistry, oxidation is typically paired with reduction in redox reactions. An oxidizing agent accepts electrons; a reducing agent donates electrons. Oxidative reactions can be accelerated by catalysts and can involve oxygen or other oxidants such as peroxides.

In biology, oxidative processes are central to energy metabolism. In aerobic organisms, oxidative phosphorylation occurs in mitochondria and uses electrons transferred through the electron transport chain to produce ATP. Reactive oxygen species, byproducts of these processes, can be damaging at high levels but also play roles in signaling at controlled levels. Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants, associated with aging and various diseases.

Outside biology, oxidation is important in environmental chemistry and industry, for example in corrosion, combustion, water treatment, and the degradation or spoilage of foods. Understanding oxidative mechanisms supports fields from materials science to medicine.