MCAT Organic Chemistry Question 12: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 12

12. NADH is a coenzyme that releases high-energy electrons into the electron transport chain. It is known as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or diphosphopyridine nucleotide. What functional groups exist in this molecule?

I. Phosphate

II. Amide

III. Anhydride

  • A. I only
  • B. II only
  • C. I and II only
  • D. I, II, and III

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

The suffix –amide in nicotinamide indicates that this compound contains an amide functional group. The prefix diphospho– indicates that there are two phosphate groups, as well. Even if we did not know the prefix phospho– from this chapter, we should recognize that nucleotides, mentioned in the name of the compound, contain a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The structure of NAD+, the oxidized form of NADH, is shown below.

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