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Multiple Choice
Which one of the following statements about the glycerol phosphate shuttle is true?
A
It transfers electrons from NADH in the cytosol to FAD in the mitochondria.
B
It is primarily used in anaerobic conditions.
C
It involves the direct transport of NADH across the mitochondrial membrane.
D
It directly transfers electrons from NADH to the electron transport chain.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of the glycerol phosphate shuttle: It is a mechanism that facilitates the transfer of electrons from NADH in the cytosol to the electron transport chain in the mitochondria.
Recognize that the glycerol phosphate shuttle does not directly transport NADH across the mitochondrial membrane. Instead, it uses intermediates to transfer electrons.
Identify the key components involved: The shuttle involves the conversion of dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) to glycerol-3-phosphate in the cytosol, which is then reoxidized to DHAP in the mitochondria, transferring electrons to FAD to form FADH2.
Clarify that the shuttle is not primarily used in anaerobic conditions. It functions under aerobic conditions to facilitate electron transfer when NADH cannot directly cross the mitochondrial membrane.
Conclude that the correct statement is that the glycerol phosphate shuttle transfers electrons from NADH in the cytosol to FAD in the mitochondria, which then contributes to the electron transport chain.