NADH produced in glycolysis yields fewer ATP molecules than that produced in the citric acid cycle because

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

NADH produced in glycolysis must transfer its electrons through shuttle mechanisms to enter the mitochondrial electron transport chain. The most common shuttle, the malate-aspartate shuttle, effectively transfers electrons to NAD+ inside the mitochondria, allowing NADH to donate electrons to complex I. However, in some tissues like muscle, the glycerol phosphate shuttle transfers electrons from cytosolic NADH to FADH2 within the mitochondria, which then donates electrons to complex II. Complex II contributes fewer protons to the proton gradient than complex I, resulting in fewer ATP molecules produced per molecule of NADH that enters through this shuttle system.

NADH Produced in Glycolysis Yields Fewer ATP Molecules Than That