chemist/biochemist help wanted
Please could someone explain redox potential to me in small words.
I am trying to write the bit of my thesis introduction that relates to iron regulation. I have a number of references which refer to the redox potential of iron.
One states 'the redox potential of Fe2+/Fe3+ spans 1300mVto 2500mV depending on ligand and environment'
Another says 'the redox potential spans +300mV to -500mV'
A third has it as '-300 to +700mV'
I don't understand where these numbers come from or what they mean. I don't like writing about something I don't understand. I tried looking it up in one of my old biochemistry textbooks, but although I knew all the words, I was more confused at the end than when I started. Any help would be gratefully received.
I am trying to write the bit of my thesis introduction that relates to iron regulation. I have a number of references which refer to the redox potential of iron.
One states 'the redox potential of Fe2+/Fe3+ spans 1300mVto 2500mV depending on ligand and environment'
Another says 'the redox potential spans +300mV to -500mV'
A third has it as '-300 to +700mV'
I don't understand where these numbers come from or what they mean. I don't like writing about something I don't understand. I tried looking it up in one of my old biochemistry textbooks, but although I knew all the words, I was more confused at the end than when I started. Any help would be gratefully received.