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Multiple Choice
Which electron carrier is primarily involved in the redox reactions of cellular respiration?
A
NAD$^+$ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide)
B
ATP (Adenosine triphosphate)
C
cAMP (Cyclic adenosine monophosphate)
D
FADH$_2$ (Flavin adenine dinucleotide)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the context of the problem. Cellular respiration is a metabolic process where cells convert biochemical energy from nutrients into ATP, and it involves redox reactions (oxidation-reduction reactions). These reactions require electron carriers to transfer electrons.
Step 2: Review the role of NAD$^+$ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). NAD$^+$ is a key electron carrier in cellular respiration. It accepts electrons during glycolysis and the citric acid cycle, becoming NADH, which then donates electrons to the electron transport chain.
Step 3: Examine the role of FADH$_2$ (Flavin adenine dinucleotide). FADH$_2$ is another electron carrier involved in cellular respiration, specifically in the citric acid cycle. It donates electrons to the electron transport chain but is less prominent compared to NAD$^+$.
Step 4: Clarify the roles of ATP and cAMP. ATP is the primary energy currency of the cell, not an electron carrier. cAMP is a signaling molecule involved in various cellular processes, not directly involved in redox reactions of cellular respiration.
Step 5: Conclude that NAD$^+$ is the primary electron carrier involved in the redox reactions of cellular respiration, as it plays a central role in transferring electrons during glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain.