Textbook Question
What does it mean when we say that two reactions are coupled?
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Ch.21 The Generation of Biochemical Energy
McMurry8th EditionFundamentals of GOBISBN: 9780134015187
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Table of contents
- Ch.1 Matter and Measurements27
- Ch.2 Atoms and the Periodic Table20
- Ch.3 Ionic Compounds8
- Ch.4 Molecular Compounds23
- Ch.5 Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions12
- Ch.6 Chemical Reactions: Mole and Mass Relationships28
- Ch.7 Chemical Reactions: Energy, Rate and Equilibrium64
- Ch.8 Gases, Liquids and Solids24
- Ch.9 Solutions52
- Ch.10 Acids and Bases25
- Ch.11 Nuclear Chemistry22
- Ch.12 Introduction to Organic Chemistry: Alkanes57
- Ch.13 Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds47
- Ch.14 Some Compounds with Oxygen, Sulfur, or a Halogen50
- Ch.15 Aldehydes and Ketones45
- Ch.16 Amines42
- Ch.17 Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives57
- Ch.18 Amino Acids and Proteins82
- Ch.19 Enzymes and Vitamins63
- Ch.20 Carbohydrates44
- Ch.21 The Generation of Biochemical Energy65
- Ch.22 Carbohydrate Metabolism45
- Ch.23 Lipids42
- Ch.24 Lipid Metabolism33
- Ch.25 Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism24
- Ch.26 Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis45
Chapter 21, Problem 49b
FAD is a coenzyme for dehydrogenation.
b. Is FAD an oxidizing agent or a reducing agent?
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of FAD (Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide) in biochemical reactions: FAD is a coenzyme that participates in oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions, specifically in dehydrogenation reactions where it helps remove hydrogen atoms from a substrate.
Recall the definition of an oxidizing agent: An oxidizing agent is a substance that gains electrons (is reduced) during a chemical reaction, causing another substance to lose electrons (be oxidized).
Analyze the function of FAD in dehydrogenation: During dehydrogenation, FAD accepts two hydrogen atoms (including two electrons) from the substrate, converting itself into FADH₂. This means FAD is reduced in the process.
Determine whether FAD is an oxidizing or reducing agent: Since FAD gains electrons (is reduced) while causing the substrate to lose electrons (be oxidized), FAD acts as an oxidizing agent in this reaction.
Conclude: FAD is an oxidizing agent because it facilitates the oxidation of the substrate by accepting electrons and becoming reduced to FADH₂.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Coenzymes
Coenzymes are organic molecules that assist enzymes in catalyzing reactions. They often act as carriers for chemical groups or electrons during metabolic processes. FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide) is a well-known coenzyme that plays a crucial role in redox reactions, facilitating the transfer of electrons.
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Oxidizing and Reducing Agents
An oxidizing agent is a substance that gains electrons in a chemical reaction, causing another substance to be oxidized. Conversely, a reducing agent loses electrons, leading to the reduction of another substance. Understanding the roles of these agents is essential in redox reactions, where FAD can act as an oxidizing agent by accepting electrons.
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Dehydrogenation
Dehydrogenation is a chemical reaction that involves the removal of hydrogen from a molecule, often resulting in the formation of a double bond or a more oxidized compound. In biological systems, dehydrogenation reactions are typically coupled with the transfer of electrons to coenzymes like FAD, which then becomes reduced to FADH2.
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Write the reaction for the hydrolysis of 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate coupled to the phosphorylation of ADP using the curved-arrow symbolism.
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Textbook Question
FAD is a coenzyme for dehydrogenation.
a. When a molecule is dehydrogenated, is FAD oxidized or reduced?
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Textbook Question
FAD is a coenzyme for dehydrogenation.
d. What is the form of FAD after dehydrogenation?
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Textbook Question
What is the purpose of the citric acid cycle?
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Textbook Question
Where in the cell does the citric acid cycle take place?
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