\begin{tabular}{l} Both photosynthesis and cell respiration involve the use of enzyme catalysts, which direct the participating molecules through a series \\ of chemical reactions. Both also rely on a transfer of electrons to power these chemical transformations. Reactions of this type are \\ called oxidation-reduction reactions. Given the reactions below, sort them based on whether the central atom becomes reduced or \\ oxidized. \\ Items (4 items) (Drag and drop into the appropriate area below) \\ Formaldehyde to methanol \\ \hline Oxidation of carbon \end{tabular}

To determine whether the central atom (in this case, carbon) becomes reduced or oxidized in the given reaction, we need to analyze the changes in oxidation states. 1. **Formaldehyde to Methanol**: - **Formaldehyde (HCHO)**: In formaldehyde, the oxidation state of carbon is +1. - **Methanol (CH₃OH)**: In methanol, the oxidation state of carbon is -2. The change in oxidation state from +1 in formaldehyde to -2 in methanol indicates that carbon is gaining electrons (reduction). 2. **Oxidation of Carbon**: - This phrase suggests that carbon is losing electrons, which means it is being oxidized. ### Summary: - **Reduced**: Formaldehyde to methanol (carbon goes from +1 to -2). - **Oxidized**: Oxidation of carbon (carbon loses electrons). ### Sorting: - **Reduced**: Formaldehyde to methanol - **Oxidized**: Oxidation of carbon