Question

The following reaction is part of the electron transport chain. Complete the reaction and identify which species is reduced. The abbreviation Q represents coenzyme Q. Use the appropriate abbreviation for the product.

FADH2 + Q →

The reactant that is reduced is: _____

Answer 1

`FADH_2 + Q --> FAD + QH_2`

The reactant that is reduced is
`FADH_2`

Step-by-step explanation:

The complete equation is as below:

`FADH_2 + Q --> FAD + QH_2`

Recall that oxidation involves the gain of electrons while reduction involves the loss of electrons.

In the above reaction,
`FADH_2` loses electrons to coenzyme Q and becomes reduced to FAD, hence the oxidizing agent. Coenzyme Q gains electrons and becomes oxidized to
`QH_2` , hence the reducing agent.

In order words,
`FADH_2` is reduced while coenzyme Q is oxidized.