Question

NADH is a key redox molecule that is capable of reducing another molecule since it is in the oxidized form.

A) TRUE

B) FALSE

I am confused about this question because I am reading that NADH can donate electrons, so doesn't that mean it reduces other molecules? However I thought it was in the reduced form because of the H. Help!! Thank you!

Answer 1

The statement is false.

Explanation: Although NADH/NAD+ plays a very crucial role in maintainin the redox status of the cells, the description that NADH is in the oxidized form is wrong. The transfer of electrons and respective redox status of this molecule are as given in the equation below:

NAD⁺ + e^- + H⁺ $\rightleftharpoons$ NADH

Here, the reduced form is NADH whereas oxidized form is NAD⁺. Thus, in conjucntion with other biomolecules, these forms of the redox factor can either donate or gain electron by undergoing oxidation or reduction, respectively. Thus, the correct statement is:

NADH is a key redox molecule that is capable of reducing another molecule since it is in the reduced form