In lab 61 we observed that both NADH and OAA are needed for

In lab 6-1 we observed that both NADH and OAA are needed for the conversion reaction to malate. We know this because we did not see a drop in NADH absorbance in the absence of OAA. If we use absorbance changes in NADH levels to monitor the reverse reaction (Malate and NAD+ to OAA), what would you expect to happen to absorbance of NADH and why?

Solution

The reverse reaction of malate and NAD⁺ to OAA will cause the absorbance measurements to increase becasue NADH absorbs and NAD⁺ does not. Reversing the reaction makes NADH the product as well as OAA, meaning that they will be generated rather than used.