Question

Why do NADH and FADH₂ yield different amounts of ATP?

A) NADH and FADH₂ have different sizes and molecular weights.

B) NADH is involved in glycolysis, while FADH₂ is involved in the citric acid cycle.

C) FADH₂ is a more potent reducing agent than NADH.

D) They enter the electron transport chain at different points, leading to different proton-pumping capacities.

Answer 1

NADH and FADH₂ yield different amounts of ATP because they enter the electron transport chain at different points, resulting in different proton-pumping capacities.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reason why NADH and FADH₂ yield different amounts of ATP is because they enter the electron transport chain at different points, leading to different proton-pumping capacities. NADH enters the ETC at Complex I and can transport three hydrogen ions, while FADH₂ enters at Complex II and can transport two hydrogen ions. This difference in the number of hydrogen ions transported results in NADH yielding more ATP than FADH₂.