NAD+/NADH

Definition

NAD+ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme central to metabolism, acting as an electron carrier. NADH is the reduced form of NAD+ after it has accepted electrons.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. NAD+ functions as an oxidizing agent in catabolic reactions, accepting electrons and becoming NADH.
2. NADH carries electrons to the electron transport chain in cellular respiration to produce ATP.
3. The interconversion between NAD+ and NADH is essential for maintaining redox balance in cells.
4. In microbial metabolism, NAD+/NADH plays a crucial role in glycolysis and the Krebs cycle.
5. Many enzymes, including dehydrogenases, require NAD+ as a cofactor for catalyzing oxidation-reduction reactions.

Review Questions

• What role does NAD+ play in cellular metabolism?
• How does the conversion of NAD+ to NADH facilitate energy production in cells?
• Why is the balance between NAD+ and NADH important for microbial growth?

Related terms

ATP:

A molecule that stores and transfers energy within cells.

Glycolysis:

A metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose to pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH.

Electron Transport Chain:

A series of protein complexes that transfer electrons from electron donors to electron acceptors via redox reactions, coupled with the transfer of protons across a membrane.