Question

A + H2 + NAD+ --> B + NADH + H+

a.) Divide the reaction into two half reactions. Which half-reaction is the reduction? Which half reaction is the oxidation?

b.)Explain the key features of this reaction and why it is important to cells.

Answer 1

a.

Half reactions:

NAD+ + AH2 --> A + NADH + H+

A + NADH + H+ --> B + NADH + H+

First reaction is reduction reaction

Second reaction is oxidation

b.

This is a very important redox reaction which occurs in our body to metabolize many foods and gain

energy. The interconversion of NAD to NAD+ forms is a common reaction in

biological redox reactions.

NAD+ is oxidizing agent and accepts electrons and gets reduced.

NADH is reducing agent and donates electrons and gets oxidized.