Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NADP+) is a coenzyme used in anabolic reactions, which are reactions that build large molecules from small molecules. It is structurally similar to NAD+, but contains an additional phosphate group.
Pronunciation
NADP+ is pronounced as "en-ay-dee-pee-plus".
Etymology
The term "Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate" is derived from its components: "Nicotinamide" is derived from nicotine, a compound found in tobacco, and "Adenine" and "Dinucleotide" are derived from the structure of the molecule, which consists of two nucleotides joined through their phosphate groups.
Function
NADP+ is used in anabolic reactions, such as the Calvin cycle, to provide the reducing power needed to drive the reactions. It is reduced to NADPH in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, and then used in the light-independent reactions to reduce carbon dioxide to glucose.
Related Terms
- NAD+: A similar coenzyme used in catabolic reactions, which break down large molecules into smaller ones.
- Coenzyme: A non-protein compound that is necessary for the functioning of an enzyme.
- Anabolic reactions: Reactions that build large molecules from small molecules.
- Calvin cycle: The set of chemical reactions that take place in chloroplasts during photosynthesis.
- Light-dependent reactions: The first stage of photosynthesis, in which light energy is converted into chemical energy.
- Light-independent reactions: The second stage of photosynthesis, also known as the Calvin cycle, in which carbon dioxide is converted into glucose.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate
- Wikipedia's article - Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate
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