Which statement BEST describes why niacin is required in the mammalian diet?
A) Niacin is a precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), which is a coenzyme required by many oxidoreductase enzymes.
B) Niacin is a precursor of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), which is a coenzyme required by many ligases.
C) Niacin is a precursor of thiamine pyrophosphate, which is a coenzyme required by many transferases.
D) Niacin is a component of coenzyme A, which is involved in many transferase reactions.
E) Niacin is not actually required in the mammalian diet.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Niacin is required in the mammalian diet because it is a precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), which is a coenzyme required by many oxidoreductase enzymes. These enzymes are involved in important metabolic processes such as energy production and the synthesis of DNA and fatty acids. A deficiency in niacin can lead to a disease called pellagra, which is characterized by dermatitis, dementia, and diarrhea.

Which Statement BEST Describes Why Niacin Is Required in the Mammalian