The electron carriers NADH and FADH₂ donate their electrons to the electron-transport chain in the inner mitochondrial membrane, leading to ATP synthesis powered by an H⁺ gradient across the membrane. If, on average, the oxidation of each NADH or FADH₂ molecule in this pathway results in the production of 2.5 and 1.5 molecules of ATP, respectively, how many ATP (and GTP) molecules are produced on average as a result of the complete oxidation of one molecule of acetyl CoA in the mitochondrion? Consider only the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The complete oxidation of a molecule of acetyl CoA results in the production of three NADH molecules plus one FADH₂ and one GTP (or ATP) molecule. Therefore, as a result of oxidative phosphorylation, a total of 10 molecules are generated:
(3 × 2.5) + (1 × 1.5) + 1 = 10

The Electron Carriers NADH and FADH₂ Donate Their Electrons to the Electron-Transport