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Multiple Choice
In the citric acid cycle, how many reduced cofactors (NADH or FADH2) are produced per acetyl-CoA molecule?
A
3 NADH and 1 FADH2
B
3 NADH and 2 FADH2
C
4 NADH and 1 FADH2
D
2 NADH and 2 FADH2
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, which is a series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to release stored energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Identify the key steps in the citric acid cycle where reduced cofactors are produced. These steps include the conversion of isocitrate to α-ketoglutarate, α-ketoglutarate to succinyl-CoA, and malate to oxaloacetate, where NADH is produced, and the conversion of succinate to fumarate, where FADH2 is produced.
For each acetyl-CoA molecule entering the cycle, count the number of NADH molecules produced. Typically, three NADH molecules are generated during the cycle.
Next, count the number of FADH2 molecules produced per acetyl-CoA. Generally, one FADH2 molecule is produced during the cycle.
Summarize the findings: For each acetyl-CoA molecule that enters the citric acid cycle, 3 NADH and 1 FADH2 are produced, which matches one of the given answer choices.