NADH is an example of a natural electron donor. Ascorbic acid is another example. It is a water-soluble
antioxidant. In
biology, electron donors release an electron during
cellular respiration, resulting in the release of
energy.
Microorganisms, such as
bacteria, obtain energy in electron transfer processes. Through its cellular machinery, the microorganism collects the energy for its use. The final result of this process (
electron transport chain) is an electron being donated to an electron acceptor. Petroleum
hydrocarbons, less
chlorinated solvents like
vinyl chloride,
soil organic matter, and reduced inorganic compounds are all compounds that can act as electron donors. These reactions are of interest not only because they allow organisms to obtain energy, but also because they are involved in the natural
biodegradation of organic contaminants. When clean-up professionals use monitored natural attenuation to clean up contaminated sites, biodegradation is one of the major contributing processes. ==See also==