Universal Electron Acceptors

Introduction -Universal Electron Acceptors

• Mitochondria produce significant adenosine triphosphate (ATP) via oxidative phosphorylation
  • the electron transport chain (ETC) is found in the inner mitochondrial membrane and receives electrons from the reduced coenzymes
    • NADH
      • this is the reduced form of NAD+
      • NAD+ → NADH + H by dehydrogenases
    • FADH2
      • this is the reduced form of FAD+
• NAD+ and FAD+ receives electrons from the catabolism of energy-rich molecules (e.g., glucose)
  • the reduced coenzymes donate their electrons to the ETC
    • approximately 3 ATP molecules for each NADH
    • approximately 2 ATP molecules for each FADH2
• NADPH
  • produced by the hexose monophosphate (HMP) shunt  
  • involved in a number of processes such as
    • the production of glutathione 
    • biosynthesis/anabolic reactions
    • respiratory bursts
• cytochrome P450 systems

Studies

In chemistry, researchers study electron acceptors to better understand how electrons are transferred between molecules during chemical reactions. This knowledge is essential for developing new synthetic methods, designing new materials, and understanding the behavior of molecules in various environments.

In biochemistry, electron acceptors are essential for many metabolic processes, including cellular respiration, photosynthesis, and the breakdown of organic molecules. Researchers study these processes to understand how they work, how they are regulated, and how they can be targeted with drugs to treat diseases.

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