| MadSci Network: Biochemistry |
NAD+ and FAD are the electron acceptors in the oxidation of fuel molecules (catabolism). NADH and FADH2 are oxidised by the electron-transport pathway and so, indirectly, generate ATP from ADP.
NADPH is used in biosynthesis (anabolism) when substrates require reduction e.g. in fatty acid production and the Calvin cycle. NADPH is the ‘currency of readily-available reducing power’. NADPH is generated from NADP+ by the pentose-phosphate pathway and by photosynthesis.
(from, Biochemistry by L. Stryer)
Having separate coenzymes for oxidative phosphorylation and for anabolism allows the two processes to be controlled independently if necessary.
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