What is primarily involved in electron transfers during biochemical reactions?

The primary role of electron carriers in biochemical reactions is to facilitate the transfer of electrons throughout various metabolic pathways. These carriers, which include molecules such as NADH, FADH2, and ubiquinone, are essential for processes like cellular respiration and photosynthesis. They transport electrons from one reaction site to another, allowing the energy stored in chemical bonds to be harnessed for cellular functions.

Electron carriers accept high-energy electrons during oxidation-reduction reactions and then donate them to other molecules, thereby driving the synthesis of ATP and other energy-rich compounds. This transfer of electrons is crucial for maintaining the flow of energy through biological systems.

While coupling agents play a role in linking reactions, substrates are the reactants in biochemical reactions, and enzymes are proteins that catalyze these reactions. However, it is the electron carriers that are specifically tasked with the direct transfer of electrons, making them central to the process of electron transfer in biochemical reactions.