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Multiple Choice
In aerobic respiration, what role do the electrons added to NAD+ play?
A
They are stored in the mitochondria for future energy needs.
B
They are used to convert pyruvate into acetyl-CoA.
C
They are transferred to the electron transport chain to help generate a proton gradient.
D
They are used to directly synthesize ATP in the cytoplasm.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of NAD+ in cellular respiration: NAD+ is a coenzyme that acts as an electron carrier. During glycolysis and the citric acid cycle, NAD+ is reduced to NADH by accepting electrons.
Recognize the importance of NADH: The electrons carried by NADH are crucial for the electron transport chain, which is the final stage of aerobic respiration.
Explore the electron transport chain: NADH donates the electrons to the electron transport chain located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. This chain consists of a series of protein complexes that transfer electrons through redox reactions.
Learn about the proton gradient: As electrons move through the electron transport chain, protons (H+) are pumped from the mitochondrial matrix to the intermembrane space, creating a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane.
Understand ATP synthesis: The proton gradient generated by the electron transport chain drives ATP synthesis. Protons flow back into the mitochondrial matrix through ATP synthase, a process known as chemiosmosis, which results in the production of ATP.