NADH dehydrogenase
The
NADH dehydrogenase complex, also called
NADH coenzyme Q oxidoreductase, is the first complex in the
electron transfer chain of
mitochondria and catalyzes the transfer of
electrons from NADH to
coenzyme Q (CoQ):
- NADH + CoQ + H+ → NAD+ + CoQH2
In the process of reducing coenzyme Q, this complex also translocates
protons, helping to provide the
electrochemical potential used to produce
ATP. It is a large complex, the mammalian enzyme containing 43 separate protein subunits, as well as a
flavin prosthetic group and several iron-sulfur clusters.
Seven of the 43 mammalian protein subunits are encoded in the mitochondrial DNA. Defects in the subunits of Complex I are associated with various mitochondrial diseases.
More information can be found on the Complex I home page.