What happens to NADH and FADH2 as they donate electrons in the electron transport chain?

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Multiple Choice

What happens to NADH and FADH2 as they donate electrons in the electron transport chain?

Explanation:
NADH and FADH2 carry high-energy electrons to the electron transport chain and are oxidized to NAD+ and FAD, respectively. As their electrons flow through the chain, energy pumps protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating a gradient that powers ATP synthase to produce ATP from ADP and Pi. They don’t provide ATP directly in the cytosol; their energy is used to drive oxidative phosphorylation. NADH typically donates to Complex I, becoming NAD+, while FADH2 donates to Complex II, becoming FAD.

NADH and FADH2 carry high-energy electrons to the electron transport chain and are oxidized to NAD+ and FAD, respectively. As their electrons flow through the chain, energy pumps protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating a gradient that powers ATP synthase to produce ATP from ADP and Pi. They don’t provide ATP directly in the cytosol; their energy is used to drive oxidative phosphorylation. NADH typically donates to Complex I, becoming NAD+, while FADH2 donates to Complex II, becoming FAD.

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