Chapter 20, Problem 20.26P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The role of the ${\text{NAD}}^{+}$ to enhance the decarboxylation of malic acid is to be stated.

Concept introduction:

The decarboxylation reaction is a type of reaction in which a compound loses ${\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}$ from a carboxylic acid. A general decarboxylation reaction is shown below.

$\text{RCOOH}\to \text{R}-\text{H}+{\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}$

The coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ${\text{NAD}}^{+}$ is used in biological systems for oxidation of compounds. This ${\text{NAD}}^{+}$ is reduced to $\text{NADH}$ by transfer of hydride ion.