1. NAD+

Chemical & Structural Information -

• Compound type: Naturally occurring coenzyme - not a peptide
• CAS Number: 53-84-9
• Molecular Formula: C21H27N7O14P2
• Molecular Weight: 663.43 g/mol
• Structure: Two nucleotide parts joined together; NAD+ is the oxidised form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.

What It Is

NAD+ is a molecule found naturally inside cells. It helps cells turn food into usable energy and is also used by
enzymes involved in DNA repair, cell signalling and stress responses.

Research Focus

• Cell energy - NAD+ helps move electrons during energy production.
• Mitochondria - researchers study NAD+ because mitochondria depend on it for normal energy metabolism.
• DNA repair - PARP enzymes use NAD+ when cells respond to DNA damage.
• Cell aging - NAD+ is needed by sirtuin enzymes, which are widely studied in metabolism and aging biology.

How It Is Studied

NAD+ can accept electrons and become NADH. Cells can then reuse it again. This NAD+/NADH cycle is a basic
part of how cells move and store energy.

Glossary

• Coenzyme: A helper molecule that enzymes need to work.
• Mitochondria: Small parts of cells that produce energy.
• Sirtuins: Proteins that use NAD+ and help control cell activity.
• PARP: Enzymes involved in the cell response to DNA damage.

For Research Purposes Only