Reducing equivalent

Reduction equivalent is a measure for quantifying the reducing power of reducing agents. As a reduction equivalent is referred to 1 mole of electrons transferred in redox reactions either directly or in the form of hydrogen

The quantification of reducing agents for redox reactions in animals important. Here, several redox reactions are connected by substances which act as electron carriers. Of particular importance, this is when the respiratory chain in the phototrophy and assimilation reactions. Three types of electron carriers that act by accepting electrons as a reducing agent, play a role:

• Carriers of pure electrons. Examples: cytochromes and ferredoxins. The molecule, an electron is transferred. In the reduced state, one mole of electron carrier thus corresponds to a reduction equivalent.
• Carriers of electrons in the form of hydrogen atoms. Examples: flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD ) and quinones such as ubiquinone (UQ ). Per molecule, two hydrogen atoms are transferred. In the reduced state ( FADH 2 or UQH2 ) corresponds to a mole that is, two reducing equivalents.
• Carriers of pure electrons and hydrogen atoms at the same time. Examples: nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD, oxidized state of NAD , reduced state: NADH). In the reduced state corresponds to a mole that is, two reducing equivalents.

Frequently reduction equivalents are shown in simplified form as [H].

The reducing agent itself referred to as reducing equivalents - In common usage in biochemistry and biology - something inaccurate.