|
Q:
Which of the following is true regarding the electron carrying ability of NADH and FADH2? |
| A |
| FADH2 produces double the ATP molecules than that produced by NADH |
| B |
| FADH2 produces half the ATP molecules than that produced by NADH |
| C |
| FADH2 produces the same number of ATP molecules produced by NADH |
| D |
| FADH2 produces less ATP molecules than that produced by NADH but greater than half |
The correct answer is D. Here we need to recall how these high energy electron carriers are redeemed for energy in the electron transport chain. They produce a different amount of ATP because they enter the electron transport chain at different points and thus pump a different amount of H+. NADH can pump enough H+ to redeem 3 ATP, while FADH2 can only be redeemed for 2 ATP. More info about electron transport chain in notes of carbohydrate metabolism.