Final answer:
NAD and FAD are coenzymes that function as electron carriers, facilitating the transfer of energy during ATP production and being central to many metabolic processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) are coenzymes that serve as electron carriers. These coenzymes play a critical role in oxidation-reduction reactions, which are catalyzed by enzymes that trigger the removal of hydrogen atoms.
NAD and FAD can accept hydrogen atoms and electrons, becoming their respective reduced forms, NADH and FADH2. These reduced forms carry high-energy electrons and are instrumental in the transfer of energy during the synthesis of ATP, which is a crucial molecule for storing and transferring energy within cells.
NAD is derived from vitamin B3, niacin, and is part of many biological reactions, particularly those involved in energy extraction from sugars. FAD, on the other hand, is derived from vitamin B2, riboflavin, and is considered more versatile than NAD as it can participate in several different mechanisms of oxidation reactions.
Both NAD+ and FAD are essential in metabolic processes, energy production, and play important roles in anabolic reactions and photosynthesis.