Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Glycolysis
Glycolysis is a metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP and NADH in the process. It occurs in the cytoplasm of cells and is the first step in cellular respiration. Understanding glycolysis is essential for identifying which substances are oxidized and reduced during the reaction.
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Oxidation and Reduction
Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state by a molecule, while reduction is the gain of electrons or a decrease in oxidation state. In glycolysis, glucose is oxidized to form pyruvate, and NAD+ is reduced to NADH. Recognizing these processes is crucial for answering questions about the electron transfer in metabolic pathways.
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NAD+ and NADH
NAD+ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme that acts as an electron carrier in various metabolic reactions, including glycolysis. When NAD+ accepts electrons during glycolysis, it is reduced to NADH. This conversion is vital for energy production, as NADH can later be used in the electron transport chain to generate ATP.
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Electron Carriers: NADH & FADH2