The statement that is not true of most cellular redox reactions is:

“They do not alter the oxidation states of substances.”

Why this option is false

By definition, a redox reaction involves a change in oxidation states: one substance is oxidized (loses electrons, oxidation state increases) and another is reduced (gains electrons, oxidation state decreases).

So saying that redox reactions “do not alter the oxidation states of substances” directly contradicts what a redox reaction is.

Why the other statements are true

  • “They involve the transfer of electrons.”
    Redox reactions are electron-transfer reactions; in cellular metabolism, electrons often move via carriers such as NAD⁺/NADH and FAD/FADH₂.
  • “The substance being oxidized acts as the reducing agent.”
    The reducing agent donates electrons and is itself oxidized, so this statement correctly describes the role of the oxidized substance.
  • “The substance being reduced acts as the oxidizing agent.”
    The oxidizing agent accepts electrons and is itself reduced; thus this is also correct.

So, for the question “which of the following statements is not true of most cellular redox reactions?” , the correct choice is the one claiming that redox reactions do not alter oxidation states.

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