What is described as the removal of hydrogen ions in a chemical process?

Dehydrogenation is defined as the removal of hydrogen ions (or hydrogen atoms) from a molecule in a chemical process. This reaction typically involves the conversion of a saturated molecule to an unsaturated one by eliminating hydrogen, which can significantly alter the molecule's properties and reactivity. Dehydrogenation reactions are common in various biochemical pathways, especially in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, where they help in energy production.

In enzymatic reactions, dehydrogenation is often coupled with the reduction of a coenzyme, such as NAD+ to NADH, taking part in the electron transport chain and playing a critical role in cellular respiration. This process is vital for energy generation in cells and forms the basis of many essential metabolic pathways.