Description
Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) is a coenzyme which is represented in every cell and the whole metabolism.
Ubiquinone is built up by a chinonic ring and an isoprenoid sidechain. In humans, ubiquinone can be synthesized and taken up by nutrition. Ubiquinone has two different pysiological functions: Component of the energy metabolism and Radical scavanger. During the reduction of oxygen in the oxidative 3-phosphorylation mol ATP are generated. In this reduction electrons are tranferred from NADPH to oxygen via 6 different redox systems. Ubiquinone is the less abundant redox system in the membrane of the mitochondria. Because of the low amount, it is the speed that is controlling the redox-system in the energy metabolism. Normally, the amount of ubiquinone is sufficient, but with aging and exposure to sunlight, it is reduced to 50%.
Ubiquinone has a high amount of carbon doublebonds and therefore a higher potential of reduction than vitamin C or vitamin E. Thereby it is the first line of defense
against free radicals. Therefore ubiquinone is an optimal stabilizer of the ion channels of the membranes.
