Question

How is NAD+ involved in the products of glycolysis? What happens to a cell's NAD+ when large numbers of high-energy electrons are produced in a short time?

a) NAD+ is reduced to NADH during glycolysis. When large numbers of high-energy electrons are produced, NAD+ becomes depleted.
b) NAD+ is converted to ATP during glycolysis. When high-energy electrons are produced, NAD+ accumulates.
c) NAD+ is used to synthesize DNA during glycolysis. When high-energy electrons are produced, NAD+ remains unchanged.
d) NAD+ is converted to pyruvate during glycolysis. When high-energy electrons are produced, NAD+ is regenerated.

Answer 1

NAD+ is reduced to NADH during glycolysis, and large numbers of high-energy electrons can deplete the cell's NAD+.

Step-by-step explanation:

The electron carrier NAD+ plays a crucial role in glycolysis. During glycolysis, NAD+ is reduced to NADH through the transfer of high-energy electrons. This reduction reaction occurs twice in glycolysis, producing 2 molecules of NADH. NADH carries the high-energy electrons to stage III of cellular respiration to produce more ATP.

When large numbers of high-energy electrons are produced in a short time, the cell's NAD+ can become depleted. This can happen when glycolysis is occurring at a rapid rate or during intense exercise. The depletion of NAD+ can affect the cell's ability to produce ATP through cellular respiration, leading to a decrease in energy production.