NADP and Photosynthesis

Importance of NADP

• NADP is frequently encountered in the chapter on photosynthesis.
• Understanding NADP is crucial for grasping the concepts of photosynthesis.
• Full name: Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate.

Role of NADP

• NADP is a carrier molecule.
• Its primary function is to trap high-energy electrons and protons and transfer them where needed.
• Specifically transfers electrons and protons to the Calvin Cycle (dark stage reactions) of photosynthesis.

Hydrogen Atom and Proton

• Hydrogen consists of one electron and one proton.
• Neutral due to the balance of positive proton and negative electron.
• Removing an electron leaves a proton, depicted as H+.

NADP Transformation Process

1. NADP+:
   • Low-energy molecule.
   • Initially traps one electron to become NADP.
2. NADP:
   • Traps a second electron to become NADP-.
3. NADP-:
   • Traps a proton to form NADPH, a high-energy molecule.
   • NADPH traps two high-energy electrons and one proton.
   • The unaccounted proton goes to a proton pool for later use.

Recap of the Process

• Start with NADP+, low-energy.
• Traps an electron to form NADP.
• Traps another electron to form NADP-.
• Traps a proton to form NADPH, a high-energy molecule.
• NADPH transfers electrons and a proton, reverting to NADP+.

Key Points to Remember

• Know the full name: Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate.
• Understand that NADP is a carrier molecule.
• Its function is to trap and transfer electrons and protons to photosynthesis reactions.
• Understand the conversion process from NADP+ to NADPH.
• Recognize the energy differences: NADP+ is low-energy, NADPH is high-energy.

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Additional Notes

• Videos do not replace textbooks or teacher guidance.
• The content is not intended for commercial use.
• Graphic credits to the artists from the Noun Project.