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Related Experiment Videos

Concerted proton-electron transfer between ascorbic acid and cytochrome b561.

D Njus1, V Jalukar, J A Zu

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|December 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a key biological reductant. A new mechanism suggests its abundant monoanion form can efficiently donate electrons via concerted proton-electron transfer, explaining rapid biological reactions.

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Redox Biology

Background:

  • Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a vital biological reductant.
  • Its reducing power is paradoxical at physiological pH due to the unfavorable oxidation of its predominant monoanion form.
  • The ascorbate dianion is a potent electron donor but is present at insufficient concentrations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To rationalize the rapid reduction of cytochrome b561 by ascorbate in adrenal medullary chromaffin vesicles.
  • To propose a general mechanism for biological ascorbic acid utilization.

Main Methods:

  • Theoretical analysis of ascorbate redox chemistry at physiological pH.
  • Consideration of reaction mechanisms involving electron transfer and concerted proton-electron transfer.

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  • Comparison with known biological reduction processes, such as cytochrome b561 reduction.

    • Main Results:

    • The abundant ascorbate monoanion is a poor electron donor due to unfavorable radical formation.
    • Concerted proton-electron transfer offers a mechanism to circumvent unfavorable intermediates.
    • This mechanism explains the rapid reduction of cytochrome b561 by the ascorbate monoanion.

    Conclusions:

    • Biological ascorbic acid utilization may commonly involve concerted proton-electron transfer.
    • This mechanism allows efficient electron donation from the ascorbate monoanion.
    • It provides a unified explanation for rapid biological redox reactions involving vitamin C.