Final answer:
The Malate-Aspartate shuttle moves electrons in the form of NADH from the cytoplasm into the mitochondria for ATP synthesis. It operates in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Malate-Aspartate shuttle is a mechanism that moves electrons in the form of NADH from the cytoplasm into the mitochondria for ATP synthesis. This shuttle system operates in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Here's how it works:
- In the cytoplasm, NADH generated from glycolysis transfers its electrons to oxaloacetate, converting it to malate.
- Malate is transported across the inner mitochondrial membrane via a malate transporter.
- In the mitochondrial matrix, malate is converted back to oxaloacetate, and NADH is oxidized to NAD+.
- The NADH generated from the malate-aspartate shuttle donates its electrons to the electron transport chain to generate ATP..