The full form of NADPH is Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate. It is a coenzyme that is essential for numerous biological functions, such as metabolism and energy production. The creation of fatty acids, cholesterol, and other macromolecules, as well as the removal of poisons and medications, all depend on NADPH.
What is NADPH?
All live cells contain nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+), a coenzyme. It is crucial to many metabolic processes, such as the conversion of glucose into energy and the production of fatty acids and cholesterol. Similar to another coenzyme known as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), NADP+ differs from NAD+ by having an extra phosphate group. Plants use NADP+ as part of the photosynthesis process to transform light energy into chemical energy, which is then stored as ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Additionally, it has a role in the control of gene expression and the detoxification of toxic compounds from the body.
Functions of NADPH
Coenzyme NADPH is essential for numerous biological functions. It contributes to the production of fatty acids, cholesterol, and other biomolecules as well as the removal of poisons and medicines from the body. NADPH is also a significant reductant, which means that it can help other molecules by giving them electrons, making it valuable in a variety of chemical processes.
NADPH plays a key role in the creation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the main energy source in cells, by serving as an electron donor. Other macromolecules like lipids, nucleotides, and amino acids are also synthesized using NADPH. Furthermore, it is used in the manufacturing of certain neurotransmitters, including dopamine and serotonin, as well as steroid hormones like testosterone and oestrogen.
Cells require NADPH to protect themselves from oxidative stress in addition to its function in metabolism. It also plays a part in the immune system. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are employed by immune cells like neutrophils and macrophages to produce ROS that can kill pathogens and guard against infections. ROS are formed by the enzyme NADP+ reductase.
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