NADH and FADH2 are reduced coenzymes that carry electrons. They play a crucial role in cellular respiration, specifically in the electron transport chain, where they donate electrons to help generate ATP, the energy currency of the cell.
Here’s a brief explanation:
- NADH (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide + Hydrogen) is formed during glycolysis and the citric acid cycle. It carries electrons to the electron transport chain, where it gets oxidized back to NAD+.
- FADH2 (Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide + Hydrogen) is also produced during the citric acid cycle. Like NADH, it carries electrons to the electron transport chain, where it gets oxidized back to FAD.
Both NADH and FADH2 are essential for the production of ATP, as they provide the electrons needed for the electron transport chain to function effectively.