What is the function of NADPH?


Quick Answer

NADPH, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, is essential for photosynthetic organism carbohydrates. This reduced coenzyme is a high energy molecule and a reduced form of NADP+ that plays a key role in driving the Calvin cycle.

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Full Answer

In the chloroplast's electron transport chain, light energy drives the formation of NADPH during photosynthesis. At this point, it is essentially a type of energy currency the Calvin cycle uses to operate. The reactions that follow after the initiation of the Calvin cycle produce carbohydrates. This cycle involves multiple biochemical reactions, such as reduction reactions, light-independent reactions and ribulose 1,5-diphosphate that ultimately result in starch and sugar production.

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