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Coenzyme Q10 (2,3, dimethoxy-5-methyl-6
decaprenyl-1,4-benzoquinone) was isolated from cardiac mitochondria
by Dr. Frederick L. Crane and colleagues at the University
of Wisconsin in 1957, and its chemical structure was determined
by Dr. Karl Folkers et. al of the University of Texas in
1958. Coenzyme Q10 is also known as “ubiquinone”,
a name derived from the words ‘ubiquitous’,
meaning ‘everywhere’, and ‘quinone’.
Coenzyme Q10 is a valuable biological substance whose homologues
are present everywhere in the organic world, among a variety
of plant species, animals, and microorganisms. The most
remarkable characteristic of Coenzyme Q10 in terms of the
human body lies in its indispensability in the production
of energy. Coenzyme Q10 exists in components within the
cell membrane such as mitochondria and lysosomes. Coenzyme
Q10 is also referred to as “vitamin Q”, due
to its vitamin-like functions.
Coenzyme Q10 is internally biosynthesized through the mevalonate
pathway, the bio synthetic pathway of intrinsic cholesterol
and exists in the heart, kidneys, liver, muscles, pancreas,
and thyroid in high concentrations.
Coenzyme Q10 is an important factor in the process of electron
transfer at the heart of the aerobic energy-supply process
and exerts a great influence on
the production of ATP.
It has been reported that the supply of Coenzyme Q10 activates
the production of ATP. This is considered to be due to
the activation of the electron transfer process through
an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q10 in the body.
It has also been reported that the body does
not produce
a sufficient amount of Coenzyme Q10 for all necessary electron
transfer processes. This supports the theory that Coenzyme
Q10 activates
ATP production.
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