What happens to NAD+ during glycolysis?

During glycolysis, NAD+ functions as an important electron carrier. In this metabolic pathway, glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate, and during this process, electrons are transferred to NAD+, resulting in its reduction to NADH. This reaction occurs when glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (G3P), an intermediate in glycolysis, is oxidized. The transfer of electrons allows NAD+ to gain a hydride ion (H-), which transforms it into NADH, effectively storing energy in the form of reducing power.

Thus, the reduction of NAD+ to NADH is crucial because NADH is later used in cellular respiration to generate ATP through the electron transport chain. The conversion of NAD+ to NADH highlights its role in facilitating energy extraction from glucose during glycolysis.