Which coenzyme is involved in the conversion of succinate to fumarate?

The conversion of succinate to fumarate is a crucial step in the citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle). During this process, succinate is oxidized to fumarate, and this reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme succinate dehydrogenase. The coenzyme involved in this specific reaction is FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide).

FAD serves as an electron acceptor in this reaction. When succinate is oxidized, FAD is reduced to FADH2, capturing the electrons released during the conversion. This reduction of FAD enables the transfer of electrons to the electron transport chain, where they can be used to generate ATP. The specificity of FAD for this step highlights its role in facilitating the oxidation of aliphatic compounds, like succinate.

In summary, FAD is the correct coenzyme for the conversion of succinate to fumarate because it plays a key role in the enzymatic reaction that oxidizes succinate, ultimately linking this step to the larger process of oxidative phosphorylation and energy production in the cell.