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Multiple Choice
In the context of organic chemistry, what is the primary function of the electrons carried to the electron transport chain by NADH and FADH2?
A
To oxidize glucose to carbon dioxide
B
To reduce oxygen to water
C
To directly synthesize ATP
D
To create a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of NADH and FADH2: These molecules are electron carriers that play a crucial role in cellular respiration, specifically in the electron transport chain (ETC).
Recognize the function of the electron transport chain: The ETC is a series of protein complexes located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Its primary function is to transfer electrons from NADH and FADH2 to oxygen, the final electron acceptor.
Identify the process of creating a proton gradient: As electrons are transferred through the ETC, energy is released. This energy is used to pump protons (H+) from the mitochondrial matrix to the intermembrane space, creating a proton gradient.
Understand the significance of the proton gradient: The proton gradient generates a potential energy difference across the inner mitochondrial membrane, known as the proton motive force.
Connect the proton gradient to ATP synthesis: The proton motive force drives protons back into the mitochondrial matrix through ATP synthase, a process that synthesizes ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate. Thus, the primary function of the electrons carried by NADH and FADH2 is to create this proton gradient.