Question

Formation of phosphoglyceraldehyde from phosphoglyceric acid is
A. Hydrolysis
B. Oxidation
C. Reduction
D. Electrolysis

Answer 1

These processes are involved in chemical reactions to form products. The process of forming an aldehyde from carboxylic acid results in a gain of electrons by carboxylic acid.

Complete answer: Phosphoglyceraldehyde is an aldehyde and phosphoglyceric acid is a carboxylic acid which is present in plants. The functional group of aldehyde is $\left( C=O \right)-H$ and of carboxylic acid is $\left( C=O \right)-OH$. Phosphoglyceraldehyde is formed in plants after the anaerobic metabolism of fructose.
In option A, hydrolysis is mentioned. In this process, the molecule of water cleaves other bonds. This does not happen during the conversion of phosphoglyceraldehyde from phosphoglyceric acid.
In option B, oxidation is mentioned. In this process, the molecule of an element loses electrons. This means the oxidation state of that atom or molecule is increased. This does not happen during the conversion of phosphoglyceraldehyde from phosphoglyceric acid.
In option C, reduction is mentioned. In this process, an electron is gained. The formation of a carboxylic acid from aldehyde is done by the process of reduction. It could be done by mild reducing agents like $NaB{{H}_{4}}$.
In option D, electrolysis is mentioned. In this process, an electric current is used in the reaction to form a new compound. Plants do not undergo electrolysis.
So, the correct option is option C

Note: The reduction of carboxylic acid results in the formation of alcohol. This is a two-step process. In the first step, carboxylic acid reduces into an aldehyde, and in the next step, alcohol is formed from aldehyde.