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Multiple Choice
How many electrons are released in each turn of the citric acid cycle?
A
10 electrons
B
12 electrons
C
8 electrons
D
4 electrons
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the citric acid cycle: The citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, is a series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetate derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into carbon dioxide.
Identify the key steps in the cycle where electron carriers are reduced: During the citric acid cycle, electrons are transferred to NAD⁺ and FAD, forming NADH and FADH₂, which are crucial for the electron transport chain.
Count the number of NADH and FADH₂ molecules produced per cycle: In one turn of the citric acid cycle, 3 NADH and 1 FADH₂ are produced. Each NADH carries 2 electrons, and each FADH₂ carries 2 electrons.
Calculate the total number of electrons released: Multiply the number of NADH molecules by 2 (for the electrons each carries) and add the electrons carried by FADH₂. This gives you the total number of electrons released per cycle.
Verify the calculation: Ensure that the sum of electrons from NADH and FADH₂ matches the expected number of electrons released per cycle, which is 8 electrons.