[Campbell Biology P.216] Which of the following statements about NAD+ and NADH are correct b... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements about NAD+ and NADH are correct based on the provided text and figure?

  • A: NAD+ is an electron carrier derived from vitamin niacin.
  • B: The reduction of NAD+ to NADH involves the acceptance of 2 electrons and 1 proton, with the other proton released into the solution.
  • C: NADH is the oxidized form of the coenzyme, while NAD+ is the reduced form.
  • D: NAD+ functions as a reducing agent during cellular respiration by donating electrons.
  • E: The nicotinamide portion of NAD+ undergoes a charge neutralization upon reduction to NADH.

Explanation

NAD+ is indeed an electron carrier derived from vitamin niacin. The reduction process involves NAD+ accepting 2 electrons and 1 proton to become NADH, with the other proton released as H+. This process neutralizes the positive charge on the nicotinamide portion of NAD+. NADH is the reduced form, and NAD+ is the oxidized form. NAD+ acts as an oxidizing agent by accepting electrons.