Biochemistry Questions / Describe the stereospecific nature of hydride transfer in enzymatic reactions, focusing on the enzyme's ability to differentiate between hydrogen atoms. How does the distance and angle of transfer influence the efficiency of the reaction?

The hydride transfer onto the nicotinamide ring of NAD(P) can be used to determine the substrate binding site in the enzyme, through the angle of attack of the hydride group – this is affected by the functional groups on the enzyme.

The enzyme catalysing the hydride transfer is able to distinguish between the two states: NAD(P) and NAD(P)H.