NADPH Full Form

Shuchi BagchiUpdated On: August 29, 2023 12:58 pm IST

NADPH full form is Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate. It is generally produced in photosystem in the process of photosynthesis. Through anaerobic respiration through which the glycolysis is produced generates NADPH. In the synthesis of compounds such as fatty acids, cholesterol etc, NADPH is used.

What is the Full Form of NADPH?

NADPH full form is Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate. It is known as a coenzyme that plays an important role in many biological processes, including the production of energy and metabolism. Generally, the NADPH is involved in the process of synthesis of basic chemical compounds such as fatty acids, cholesterol and other biomolecules. Also, it is involved in the detoxification of drugs and several toxins.

Function of NADPH

In the chemical reaction, NADPH is an important reductant, which means that it can donate electrons to other molecules making it useful in many chemical reactions. One of the main functions of NADPH is to act as an ‘electron donor’ in the synthesis of ATP known as Adenosine Triphosphate which is considered as the primary source of energy in cells. NADPH is also involved in the synthesis of other molecules compounds such as amino acids, nucleotides and lipids. In the matter of hormones, it is used in the synthesis of steroid hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. In the synthesis of some neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, NADPH is used.

In addition to its active role in breaking down the process of metabolism, NADPH is also involved in balancing the immune system and is used by cells to build the defense mechanism against the process of ‘oxidative stress’. NADPH is produced by the enzyme known as  ‘NADP+ reductase’ and is used by immune cells such as Neutrophils and Macrophages. It is used to produce varieties of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) that can kill disease causing germs known as pathogens and protect against several infections.

Importance of NADPH

NADPH has various roles and importance depending on the nature of use. Here are some of the key points about Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NADPH) in Biology highlighting its importance:

  • NADPH is a proper coenzyme that plays a significant role in many biological processes including production of energy and activating the process of metabolism.
  • NADPH is involved in the breakdown and synthesis of Adenosine Triphosphate known as ATP. The ATP is known as the ‘primary source of energy’ in cells as well as helpful in the synthesis of other biomolecules such as Amino Acids, Nucleotides and Lipids.
  • NADPH is also an important ‘reductant substance' which means that it can donate electrons to other molecules therefore, making it useful in carrying out many chemical reactions.
  • NADPH is involved in the synthesis or combination of steroid hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. It also aids in the synthesis of some neurotransmitters such as Dopamine and Serotonin.
  • NADPH is used in the synthesis of several compounds such as fatty acids, cholesterol, and other biomolecules. It is also used in the detoxification of drugs and other toxins.
  • In human anatomy, NADPH is involved in the process of boosting the immune system and is used by cells to build the defensive mechanism against oxidative stress.
  • NADPH plays a crucial role in carrying out many important biological processes and is essential for the proper functioning of cells and organisms in humans and animals.

What is the Stability of NADPH?

The stability of NADPH decides the rate at which the reaction will be carried out. The stability of NADP is important for many reactions and functions in the cell. Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NADP) is a coenzyme that is involved in multiple biochemical processes such as photosynthesis and the production and release of energy. In terms of stability,the  NADP is considered as very stable and can last for a long time without breaking down and retaining its properties.

Uses of NADPH

The NADPH use is extensive and is used in multiple aspects. Alongwith biological and chemical use, different uses of NADPH are mentioned below:

  • One of the main functions of NADPH is to act as an ‘electron donor’ in the synthesis of ATP which is Adenosine Triphosphate and is known as the primary source of energy in cells. The synthesis of ATP occurs through a process called the ‘citric acid cycle’ also known as the Krebs cycle. During this process, the NADPH donates/transfers electrons to the ‘electron transport chain’. Through this, the ATP is generated through another process called Oxidative Phosphorylation.
  • NADPH is also involved in the process of synthesis of other biomolecules such as amino acids, nucleotides and lipids. Alongwith this, it is used in the synthesis of steroid hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. In the synthesis of some neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, NADPH is actively functional. In the synthesis of substances such as fatty acids, cholesterol and other biomolecules, as well as in the detoxification of drugs and toxins, NADPH is used.
  • In addition to its role in accelerating and maintaining the metabolism rate, NADPH is also involved in making the immune system better and is used by cells to defend against oxidative stress. It is produced by the enzyme known as ‘NADP+ reductase’. It is used by immune cells such as neutrophils and macrophages to produce the compound known as Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) that can kill pathogens and protect against infections.

FAQs

What is the full form of NADPH?

NADPH full form is Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate.

Are NADPH and NADPH2 the same?

Yes. NADPH is sometimes written as NADPH2.

What is the formula of NADPH?

The chemical formula of NADPH is C12H3ON7O17.

How many NADPH are present in ATP?

There are 3 NADPH present in ATP.

Is NADPH an enzyme?

The NADPH oxides are a family of multiple subunits of enzymes that are complex in nature.

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