What coenzyme picks up hydrogen when a carbon–carbon double bond is formed?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the process where a carbon–carbon double bond is formed, which is typically during a dehydrogenation reaction.
2. Understand that during dehydrogenation, hydrogen atoms are removed from the substrate.
3. Recognize that a coenzyme is needed to accept these hydrogen atoms.
4. Recall that the coenzyme involved in accepting hydrogen atoms during dehydrogenation reactions is often NAD⁺ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide).
5. Conclude that NAD⁺ picks up the hydrogen atoms, becoming reduced to NADH in the process.

Key Concepts

Coenzymes

Coenzymes are organic molecules that assist enzymes in catalyzing reactions. They often act as carriers for chemical groups or electrons during metabolic processes. In the context of biochemical reactions, coenzymes are crucial for facilitating the transfer of atoms or functional groups, thereby enhancing the efficiency of enzymatic activity.

Hydrogenation

Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction that involves the addition of hydrogen (H2) to a compound, typically an unsaturated organic molecule. This process often converts carbon–carbon double bonds into single bonds, resulting in saturated compounds. Understanding hydrogenation is essential for grasping how certain coenzymes function in metabolic pathways, particularly in the context of fatty acid synthesis.

NADH

NADH (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a key coenzyme in cellular metabolism that plays a vital role in redox reactions. It acts as an electron carrier, picking up hydrogen ions and electrons during metabolic processes. In the formation of carbon–carbon double bonds, NADH is often involved in the reduction reactions that convert unsaturated compounds into saturated ones, highlighting its importance in biochemical pathways.