Question

${ NADP }^{ + }$ is
(a) An enzyme
(b) Part of tRNA
(c) A coenzyme
(d) Part of soluble RNA

Answer 1

Hint: NADP is a chemical in our body that participates in redox reactions happening in the light reaction of photosynthesis where it is converted into NADPH and Calvin cycle where it is converted back to NADP. It is a phosphate derivative of NAD.

Complete Step by Step Answer:
The full form of NADP is nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate. It has one additional phosphate compared to NAD. ${ NADP }^{ + }$ is a coenzyme that functions as an electron carrier as it accepts electrons and hydrogens atoms to form NADPH. ${ NADP }^{ + }$ is the oxidizing form which oxidizes compounds by taking hydrogen from them. NADPH is the reducing form that reduces other compounds to give back ${ NADP }^{ + }$. By doing so, NADPH is able to carry not only electrons but energy from one place to another as well. This interconversion from ${ NADP }^{ + }$ to NADPH happens at different places as per the energy requirements.
So, the correct answer is the option ‘Coenzyme’.

Additional information: NADP along with NAD is known as coenzymes. This is because:
- They help transport electrons and energy across the cell.
- They help other enzymes to be able to catalyze reactions properly.
Both NAD and NADP are made out of simple amino acids like tryptophan, aspartic acid, etc, and a vitamin ${ B }_{ 3 }$ called niacin. Their structure consists of two nucleotides attached by phosphate groups, hence the name dinucleotide.

Note: NAD is usually used in glycolysis and the citric acid cycle of cellular respiration. It is involved in catabolism reactions whereas NADP is involved in anabolic reactions.
An example of an anabolic reaction is photosynthesis as simple molecules like ${ { CO }_{ 2 } }$ and ${ H }_{ 2 }{ O }$ are made into complex substances such as glucose.
An example of a catabolic reaction is respiration as complex molecules like glucose are converted into ${ { CO }_{ 2 } }$ and ${ H }_{ 2 }{ O }$.