Which coenzyme serves as a high energy electron carrier that aids in the oxidation of molecules?

The correct answer is that both NAD and FAD serve as high-energy electron carriers that facilitate the oxidation of molecules within metabolic pathways.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) plays a crucial role in cellular respiration and is integral in redox reactions where it accepts electrons and becomes reduced to NADH. This reduced form then carries electrons to the electron transport chain, contributing to ATP production, which is vital for energy in cells.

Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) also functions similarly, acting as a coenzyme in various dehydrogenation reactions. It becomes reduced to FADH2, which, like NADH, donates electrons during the electron transport chain, further highlighting its role in energy metabolism.

Both coenzymes are essential in the metabolic processes, including glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, where they help oxidize substrates, thus generating high-energy electrons, which are subsequently used in ATP synthesis. Their roles are complementary, making them equally significant in the oxidation of molecules and energy production within the cell.