Final answer:
Cytosolic NADH generates 2 to 3 ATP each via the ETC, while each mitochondrial NADH produces about 3 ATP. This results in cytosolic NADH producing less ATP compared to NADH generated within the mitochondria.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student asked whether cytosolic NADH produces as much ATP as NADH from the matrix. The cytosolic NADH is transported into the mitochondria via shuttle systems since it cannot easily cross the mitochondrial membrane. There are two main shuttles - the Glycerophosphate shuttle and the Malate-Aspartate shuttle. Cytosolic NADH, when oxidized by the electron transport chain (ETC) using the Glycerophosphate shuttle, typically generates 2 to 3 ATP each, which totals 4 to 6 ATP. Meanwhile, each NADH that is produced within the mitochondrial matrix yields approximately 3 ATP, totaling 24 ATP for the 8 NADH produced during the citric acid cycle. Furthermore, FADH2 adds its electrons to the ETC at a lower level than NADH, resulting in only about 2 ATP per FADH2 molecule for a total of 4 ATP. Thus, cytosolic NADH does not produce quite as much ATP as mitochondrial NADH.