FADH2 is similar to NADH in that it is also oxidized by the respiratory electron transport chain. However, oxidation of FADH2 does not yield as much ATP as the oxidation of NADH. Why doesn't oxidation of FADH2 generate as much ATP as oxidation of NADH?
Electron Transport Chain
The electron transport chain, also known as the electron transport system, is a group of proteins that transfer electrons through a membrane within mitochondria to create a gradient of protons that drives adenosine triphosphate (ATP)synthesis. The cell uses ATP as an energy source for metabolic processes and cellular functions. ETC involves series of reactions that convert redox energy from NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) + hydrogen (H)) and FADH2(flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)) oxidation into proton-motive force(PMF), which is then used to synthesize ATP through conformational changes in the ATP synthase complex, a process known as oxidative phosphorylation.
Metabolism
Picture a campfire. It keeps the body warm on a cold night and provides light. To ensure that the fire keeps burning, fuel needs to be added(pieces of wood in this case). When a small piece is added, the fire burns bright for a bit and then dies down unless more wood is added. But, if too many pieces are placed at a time, the fire escalates and burns for a longer time, without actually burning away all the pieces that have been added. Many of them, especially the larger chunks or damp pieces, remain unburnt.
Cellular Respiration
Cellular respiration is the cellular process involved in the generation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules from the organic nutritional source obtained from the diet. It is a universal process observed in all types of life forms. The glucose (chemical formula C6H12O6) molecules are the preferred raw material for cell respiration as it possesses a simple structure and is highly efficient in nature.
Q29. FADH2 is similar to NADH in that it is also oxidized by the respiratory electron transport chain. However, oxidation of FADH2 does not yield as much ATP as the oxidation of NADH.
Why doesn't oxidation of FADH2 generate as much ATP as oxidation of NADH?
A. Energy is more spread out in FADH2.
B. FADH2 has fewer C-H bonds than NADH.
C. FADH2 oxidation occurs at complex II; it therefore bypasses the proton-pumping of Complex I.
D. FADH2 oxidation to FAD releases fewer electrons than the oxidation of NADH to NAD+.
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