oxioreductase

An oxioreductase is a class of enzyme which catalyzes oxidation and reduction reactions (or redox). These enzymes are common throughout all life forms. An example of an oxioreductase (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a vital oxidizing conenzyme in the cell which participates in glycolysis and cellular respiration processes, among other functions) and its function follows.

           COO-
            |       
        HO--C--H     +     NAD+
            |       
           CH3
        L-lactate    nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide

            Through oxidation yields:

            COO-
             |
             C==O    +  NADH  +  H+       
             |
            CH2
           pyruvate