NADH full form in biology

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman | Last updated: February 3, 2024

NADH full form in biology

  • NADH full form in biology is Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH).
  • It is a coenzyme that is involved in various metabolic processes in living cells.

 

Aspect Detail
Full Form of NADH Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide
Chemical formula of NADH

 

C21H28N7O14P2
Structural formula
 

Molar mass

663.43 g/mol
Appearance White powder
Melting point 160 °C (320 °F; 433 K)
Cellular Location of NADH Found in the cytoplasm and mitochondria of eukaryotic cells and the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells.
Oxidation State of NADH NADH is the reduced form of NAD+
Function of NADH Participates in the transfer of electrons to the electron transport chain during cellular respiration, leading to the production of ATP.
Biosynthesis of NADH It is synthesis through Glycolysis

Citric acid cycle

Fatty acid oxidation

Absorption and Fluorescence Absorbs light at 340 nm and emits fluorescence at 460 nm when excited by ultraviolet light, making it useful for analytical purposes.
Biological Significance of NADH Essential for energy production in cells

It plays a key role in redox reactions and is involved in cellular metabolism.

Clinical Significance of NADH NADH supplements are marketed as potential dietary supplements for improving energy and mental clarity, but their efficacy is still under research.

 

A comparison between NADH and NADPH

Characteristic NADH NADPH
Full Form Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate
Role in Redox Reactions Participates in catabolic reactions that generate energy participates in biosynthetic pathways and Photosynthesis.
Cellular Location Found in the cytoplasm, mitochondria and other cellular compartments Predominantly present in the stroma of chloroplasts, where photosynthesis occurs.
Role as an energy carrier Functions as a carrier of high-energy electrons during cellular respiration Functions as a carrier of reducing equivalents (H⁺ and e⁻) for biosynthetic reactions.
Role in ATP Production Donates electrons to the electron transport chain, leading to ATP synthesis. Plays a minor role in ATP production during photosynthesis.
Antioxidant Role Does not possess a direct antioxidant role. Serves as a major intracellular antioxidant. It neutralizes harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Role in Biosynthesis of Molecules Not directly involved in biosynthetic reactions. Essential for biosynthetic reactions such as fatty acid synthesis and nucleotide synthesis.
Cellular Functions Plays a significant role in energy production and cellular respiration. Key participant in anabolic processes, providing reducing power and building cellular components.
Involved in Involve in anabolic reaction Involved in catabolic reaction
Free phosphate group Do not contain a free phosphate Contains a free phosphate group

 

A comparison between NAD and NADH

Characteristic NAD NADH
Full form Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) + hydrogen
Oxidation state Oxidized form Reduced form of NAD
Chemical Structure NAD consists of Nicotinamide, Adenine and Two Ribose moieties NADH has an additional hydrogen (H)

attached to the nicotinamide ring.

Abundance in the Cell More abundant in the cell Generally found in lower concentrations as compared to NAD.
 

Role

Acts as a coenzyme in various redox reactions and cellular metabolism. Serves as a carrier of high-energy

electrons during energy-producing

processes (e.g., cellular respiration)

Cellular Location Found in the cytoplasm, mitochondria,

and other cellular compartments

Predominantly present in the

cytoplasm, mitochondria, and other

cellular compartments.

Function in Redox Reactions Functions as an electron carrier in oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions. Donates electrons in various catabolic reactions, generating NADH.
Role in Energy Production Participates in the generation of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. Plays a key role in the electron transport chain and ATP synthesis.
Cellular Processes Plays a role in glycolysis, Krebs cycle and other catabolic processes. Essential for cellular respiration,

fatty acid oxidation and other redox reactions.

Biological Importance Important for energy metabolism and various metabolic pathways. Important in energy transfer and redox signaling in the cell.

 

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