Question

What is the fate of the electrons released during the citric acid cycle and carried by the NADH and FADH2 molecules?

a. They enter the electron transport chain
b. They convert to ATP directly
c. They are used to form pyruvic acid
d. They are released as waste

Answer 1

Electrons from NADH and FADH2 produced during the citric acid cycle enter the electron transport chain, where they are used in a process called oxidative phosphorylation to produce ATP, with water formed as a byproduct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The fate of the electrons released during the citric acid cycle and carried by the molecules NADH and FADH2 is that they enter the electron transport chain (ETC). In the mitochondria, the ETC uses these electrons to pump protons across the mitochondrial membrane, creating a proton gradient. This process is known as oxidative phosphorylation, which drives the synthesis of ATP when protons flow back into the mitochondrial matrix through ATP synthase. The final acceptor of the electrons at the end of the ETC is oxygen, which combines with the electrons and protons to form water.

Electrons from NADH and FADH2 produced during the citric acid cycle enter the electron transport chain, where they are used in a process called oxidative phosphorylation to produce ATP, with water formed as a byproduct.