Which of the following is NOT considered an important electron carrier in biological reactions?

Which of the following is NOT considered an important electron carrier in biological reactions?

• A. NADH
• B. FADH
• C. NADPH
• D. CO2

Answer: (D)

In biological reactions, important electron carriers are molecules that play a crucial role in the transfer of electrons during metabolic processes like cellular respiration and photosynthesis. NADH, FADH, and NADPH are all significant in this context. NADH and NADPH are derived from the vitamin niacin and are vital for carrying electrons to the electron transport chain and various biochemical pathways. FADH, similar to NADH, is another electron carrier that operates within the electron transport system, facilitating ATP production. In contrast, carbon dioxide (CO2) does not act as an electron carrier in biological processes. Instead, it is a byproduct of respiration and a reactant in photosynthesis that participates in the Calvin cycle, where it is fixed into organic molecules. Thus, it does not play an active role in the transfer of electrons, which is why it is the correct answer in this question.

In biological reactions, important electron carriers are molecules that play a crucial role in the transfer of electrons during metabolic processes like cellular respiration and photosynthesis. NADH, FADH, and NADPH are all significant in this context.

NADH and NADPH are derived from the vitamin niacin and are vital for carrying electrons to the electron transport chain and various biochemical pathways. FADH, similar to NADH, is another electron carrier that operates within the electron transport system, facilitating ATP production.

In contrast, carbon dioxide (CO2) does not act as an electron carrier in biological processes. Instead, it is a byproduct of respiration and a reactant in photosynthesis that participates in the Calvin cycle, where it is fixed into organic molecules. Thus, it does not play an active role in the transfer of electrons, which is why it is the correct answer in this question.