Explain why 3 atp are generated when one NAD coenzyme passes hydrogen atoms to t

Question

Explain why 3 atp are generated when one NAD coenzyme passes hydrogen atoms to the electron transport chain, but only 2 atp are generated when one FAD coenzyme passes hydrogen atoms to the electron transport chain. Explain why 3 atp are generated when one NAD coenzyme passes hydrogen atoms to the electron transport chain, but only 2 atp are generated when one FAD coenzyme passes hydrogen atoms to the electron transport chain. Explain why 3 atp are generated when one NAD coenzyme passes hydrogen atoms to the electron transport chain, but only 2 atp are generated when one FAD coenzyme passes hydrogen atoms to the electron transport chain.

Explanation / Answer

Glycolysis (breakdown of glucose), oxidation of fatty acids and citric acid cycle releases NADH (hydrogenated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and FADH2 (hydrogenated flavin adenine dinucleotide) molecules. These molecules carry electrons with high transfer potential. The oxygen present in the mitochondria is reduced by these electrons to water molecules; this process produces a very high amount of energy (in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate)).

NADH transports three protons and thus, it produces 3 ATP molecules, whereas FADH2 transports two protons, so it produces 2 ATP molecues.

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