What are the functions of oxidoreductase enzymes?

Oxidoreductases make up a wide array of enzymes responsible for facilitating the transfer of electrons from one molecule (the reductant) to another molecule (the oxidant). These enzymes either transfer electrons from a donor molecule to an acceptor molecule, or vice versa. Within the class of oxidoreductases, the two significant types are oxidases and dehydrogenases. Oxidases are enzymes involved when molecular oxygen functions as a recipient of either hydrogen or electrons during the oxidation process. On the other hand, dehydrogenases are enzymes which facilitate oxidation by transferring hydrogen from a substrate to an acceptor. Other enzymes categorized as oxidoreductases include peroxidases, hydroxylases, oxygenases, and reductases. These enzymes participate in various processes. Peroxidases are enzymes primarily found within peroxisomes, and facilitate the reduction of hydrogen peroxide. Hydroxylases are enzymes that play a role in adding hydroxyl groups (-OH) to specific substrates. Oxygenases are enzymes which introduce oxygen atoms from molecular oxygen into organic substrates. Reductases facilitate reductions in chemical reactions and typically have the ability to behave similarly to oxidases.