Oxidoreductases are a type of enzyme that catalyze oxidation-reduction reactions, a process where electrons are transferred from one molecule, the reductant, to another, the oxidant. This transfer of electrons is integral to many biological processes, including cellular respiration and photosynthesis.
When comparing oxidoreductases, it's crucial to consider their specific functions. For instance, dehydrogenases are a subset of oxidoreductases that remove hydrogen atoms from their substrates. In contrast, oxidases, another subset, transfer electrons from the substrate to oxygen, producing water or hydrogen peroxide. Each type of oxidoreductase, while sharing the common trait of facilitating electron transfer, has a unique role in the intricate tapestry of biochemical reactions.