Redox Cofactor from Biological Energy Transduction as Molecularly Tunable Energy-Storage Compound

摘要

Energy transduction and storage in biological systems involve multiply coupled, stepwise reduction/oxidation of energycarrying molecules such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), nicotinamide, and flavin cofactors These are synthesized as a result of oxidation during citric acid cycles in mitochondria or during photosynthesis in chloroplasts, and high energies stored in their chemical bonds are consequently harnessed for many biological reactions. Phosphorylation and protonation are key underlying mechanisms that allow for reversible cycling and regulate the molecule-specific redox potential. A sequential progression of electron transfer through the redox cascades as well as continuous recycling of the redox centers enables efficient energy use in biological systems.