How this thermodynamic barrier is overcome is largely unknown.  Apparently, the bifunctional AdhE allows for NAD(+) reduction by lowering the concentration of acetaldehyde, which makes the first oxidation reaction thermodynamically feasible.
HERM
How this thermodynamic barrier is overcome is largely unknown.  Apparently, the bifunctional AdhE allows for NAD(+) reduction by lowering the concentration of acetaldehyde, which makes the first oxidation reaction thermodynamically feasible.
THERM