NADH and NADPH have distinct primary roles in metabolism. Which statement is accurate?

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Multiple Choice

NADH and NADPH have distinct primary roles in metabolism. Which statement is accurate?

NADH and NADPH are both electron carriers, but they’re used for different ends in metabolism. NADH mainly donates electrons to the mitochondrial (or bacterial) electron transport chain, driving proton pumping and ATP synthesis—so its primary role is energy production. NADPH provides reducing power for biosynthetic (anabolic) reactions, donating electrons to fatty acid and nucleotide synthesis and helping maintain redox balance via antioxidant systems. That combination matches the statement: NADH transfers electrons to generate ATP, while NADPH provides reducing power for biosynthesis. The other pairings mix up these roles, since NADH isn’t primarily for biosynthesis and NADPH isn’t the main donor of electrons for ATP production.

NADH and NADPH are both electron carriers, but they’re used for different ends in metabolism. NADH mainly donates electrons to the mitochondrial (or bacterial) electron transport chain, driving proton pumping and ATP synthesis—so its primary role is energy production. NADPH provides reducing power for biosynthetic (anabolic) reactions, donating electrons to fatty acid and nucleotide synthesis and helping maintain redox balance via antioxidant systems. That combination matches the statement: NADH transfers electrons to generate ATP, while NADPH provides reducing power for biosynthesis. The other pairings mix up these roles, since NADH isn’t primarily for biosynthesis and NADPH isn’t the main donor of electrons for ATP production.

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