FAD is a coenzyme for dehydrogenation.


a. When a molecule is dehydrogenated, is FAD oxidized or reduced?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of FAD: FAD (Flavin adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme that participates in redox reactions, specifically in dehydrogenation processes.
2. Define dehydrogenation: Dehydrogenation is a chemical reaction that involves the removal of hydrogen atoms from a molecule.
3. Identify the process: In a dehydrogenation reaction, the molecule losing hydrogen atoms is being oxidized.
4. Determine FAD's role: As the molecule is oxidized, FAD accepts the hydrogen atoms (and electrons) that are removed.
5. Conclude FAD's state: Since FAD gains electrons during this process, it is reduced.

Key Concepts

Dehydrogenation

Dehydrogenation is a chemical reaction that involves the removal of hydrogen atoms from a molecule. This process typically results in the oxidation of the substrate, as it loses electrons along with the hydrogen. Dehydrogenation is crucial in metabolic pathways, particularly in cellular respiration, where it helps convert energy stored in nutrients into usable forms.

FAD as a Coenzyme

FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme that plays a vital role in various biological oxidation-reduction reactions. It acts as an electron carrier, accepting electrons during the dehydrogenation process. When FAD accepts electrons and protons, it is reduced to FADH2, which can later donate these electrons in the electron transport chain to generate ATP.

Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

Oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions are chemical processes that involve the transfer of electrons between two substances. Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons, while reduction refers to the gain of electrons. In the context of dehydrogenation, when a molecule is dehydrogenated, it is oxidized, and FAD is reduced as it accepts the electrons released during this process.