NADH-Q

NADH-Q is a biochemical compound that plays a crucial role in the electron transport chain of cellular respiration. It is a coenzyme that carries electrons from one reaction to another, facilitating the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of the cell.

Structure

NADH-Q is composed of two main parts: a nicotinamide ring and a ribose sugar. The nicotinamide ring is responsible for accepting and donating electrons, while the ribose sugar serves as a scaffold for the molecule.

Function

The primary function of NADH-Q is to transport electrons in the process of cellular respiration. It accepts electrons from NADH and FADH2, two other coenzymes involved in the process, and passes them on to the next molecule in the chain, cytochrome c. This transfer of electrons is what drives the production of ATP.

Role in Disease

Alterations in the function of NADH-Q can lead to a variety of diseases. For example, deficiencies in NADH-Q have been linked to Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the death of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. Additionally, mutations in the genes that encode for NADH-Q can result in mitochondrial diseases, a group of disorders caused by dysfunction in the mitochondria, the cell's powerhouses.

See Also

• Electron transport chain
• Cellular respiration
• Coenzyme
• Parkinson's disease
• Mitochondrial diseases

NADH-Q Resources
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