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Which of the following best describes the utilization of energy from electrons passing through the electron transport chain?

a) Pumping hydrogen ions into the thylakoid interior space
b) Exciting electrons as they move through the electron transport chain
c) Splitting water into H+ and an atom of oxygen
d) Forming ATP and NADPH

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The utilization of energy from electrons in the electron transport chain primarily results in the formation of ATP and NADPH. Hydrogen ions are pumped to create a gradient used by ATP synthase to produce ATP, and electrons reduce NADP+ to NADPH.

Step-by-step explanation:

The utilization of energy from electrons passing through the electron transport chain involves several important steps. Firstly, when electrons move along the chain in photosynthesis, they help to pump hydrogen ions into the thylakoid interior space of chloroplasts. In mitochondria during cellular respiration, a similar process occurs where hydrogen ions are pumped across the inner mitochondrial membrane creating an electrochemical gradient.

This gradient is then exploited to generate ATP through a process called chemiosmosis. As hydrogen ions flow through a protein complex called ATP synthase, this energy is used to attach a third phosphate group to ADP, thus forming ATP. Additionally, in the chloroplasts, this process also helps in forming another molecule called NADPH, which is essential for the Calvin Cycle that synthesizes sugars.

To answer the question directly, the utilization of energy from electrons passing through the electron transport chain best describes the formation of ATP and NADPH as the electrons transferred during this process are powering the systems that generate these energy-carrying molecules.

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