Flavoprotein

Flavoprotein is a type of protein that contains a nucleic acid derivative of riboflavin: the Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) or Flavin mononucleotide (FMN). They are involved in a wide array of biological processes, including, but not limited to, oxidation-reduction reactions.

Structure

Flavoproteins are proteins that contain a nucleic acid derivative of riboflavin. The riboflavin is combined with a protein to form a functional enzyme. The flavin group is capable of undergoing oxidation-reduction reactions, and can accept either one electron in a two-step process or two electrons at once.

Function

Flavoproteins are involved in a wide array of biological processes. This includes various oxidation-reduction reactions in the cell, including those in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Flavoproteins are also involved in the process of cellular respiration, acting as a coenzyme to help with the transfer of electrons in the cell.

Examples

Some examples of flavoproteins include Glutathione reductase, Ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase, and Succinate dehydrogenase. These are all key enzymes involved in the metabolism of the cell.

See also

• Protein
• Enzyme
• Coenzyme
• Oxidation-reduction reaction
• Metabolism
• Cellular respiration

References

• 
  PDB 1e20 EBI