Figure %: Step 5.
The chemistry that takes place in this reaction is more complex than that of the previous reactions we've discussed. Knowledge of organic chemistry is needed to understand the specific mechanisms of the conversion. Generally, the enzyme GAPDH contains appropriate structures and holds the molecule in a conformation such that it allows the NAD molecule to pull a hydrogen off the GAP, converting the NAD to NADH. The phosphate group then attacks the GAP molecule and releases it from the enzyme to yield 1,3 bisphoglycerate, NADH, and a hydrogen atom. We will come back to the role