Ubiquinone (most accurately as "Coenzyme Q10" for human biology) (CoQ10)

Ubiquinone (specifically, "Coenzyme Q10" in humans) is a fat-soluble, benzoquinone compound present in virtually all aerobic organisms, where it functions as an essential electron carrier within the mitochondrial electron transport chain, facilitating ATP production and acting as a critical antioxidant. Its molecule comprises a benzoquinone ring and a hydrophobic polyisoprenoid side chain (10 isoprenoid subunits in humans). Ubiquinone cycles between its oxidized (ubiquinone) and reduced (ubiquinol) forms, allowing it to accept and donate electrons, which underpins both its bioenergetic and antioxidant functions. Although essential for cellular respiration, Ubiquinone itself is not a druggable therapeutic target in the classical sense, but rather a key small-molecule cofactor whose deficiency or altered metabolism is implicated in a range of diseases, for which supplementation is sometimes indicated.

Other names

Coenzyme Q10CoQ10Ubiquinone-10Ubidecarenone2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-6-decaprenyl-1,4-benzoquinoneUQ10

Redox cycling (accepts and donates electrons in mitochondria, facilitating ATP generation via oxidative phosphorylation) Antioxidant activity (scavenges free radicals, protects lipids/proteins/membranes from oxidative damage) Maintains membrane stability and function