What is the difference between nadph and atp

Enroll for Free. This Course Video Transcript. From the lesson Photosynthesis 3. Nir Ohad: The Carbon Cycle Taught By. Professor Daniel Chamovitz, Ph. President, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.

Try the Course for Free. Since NADPH provides both electrons and protons to the chemical reaction, it is a strong reducing agent. This phosphate group links the adenine moiety to the core molecule. ATP refers to a phosphorylated nucleotide, composed of adenosine and three phosphate groups while supplying energy for many biochemical, cellular processes by undergoing enzymatic hydrolysis, especially to ADP.

In contrast, NADPH refers to a cofactor that is used to donate electrons and hydrogens to reactions catalyzed by some enzymes. Cellular respiration, photophosphorylation, and fermentation are the pathways that produce ATP while pentose phosphate pathway in animals and light reaction of photosynthesis in plants are the pathways that produce NADPH. ATP provides energy to various types of biochemical reactions including anabolic reactions, cell division, and movement while NADPH provides electrons and protons to the dark reaction of photosynthesis and many biosynthetic and redox reactions in animals.

ATP is the main energy currency of the cell. Its hydrolysis release energy needed by most of the biochemical reactions inside the cell. It provides both electrons and hydrogen atoms to biochemical reactions. NADPH also contains two phosphate groups linked by an oxygen molecule. As in NADH, each phosphate group joins a five-carbon ribose sugar.

Unlike the case with NADH, however, the same five-carbon ribose sugar that joins adenine carries a second phosphate group, for a total of three phosphate groups in total. NADPH's main job is participating in the synthesis of carbohydrates in photosynthetic organisms, such as plants. It helps power the Calvin cycle. It also has antioxidant functions.

In addition to the direct contributions to cellular metabolism described above, both NADH and NADPH may take part in other important physiological processes, including mitochondrial functions, calcium regulation, antioxidation and its counterpart the generation of oxidative stress , gene expression, immune functions, the aging process and cell death.

As a result, some biochemistry researchers have proposed that further investigation of the less well-established properties of NADH and NADPH may offer more insight about the fundamental properties of life and reveal strategies for not only treating diseases but even slowing the aging process. Kevin Beck holds a bachelor's degree in physics with minors in math and chemistry from the University of Vermont.

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