Multiple Choice
In oxidative phosphorylation, what is the primary function of NADH and FADH?
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Review 4: Amino Acid Oxidation, Oxidative Phosphorylation, & Photophosphorylation
Oxidative Phosphorylation 1
Multiple Choice
In oxidative phosphorylation, what is the relationship between the electron transport chain (ETC) and oxygen?
A
Oxygen inhibits proton pumping by Complexes I, III, and IV, preventing formation of the proton gradient.
B
Oxygen is the terminal electron acceptor in the ETC and is reduced to water.
C
Oxygen donates electrons to Complex I to initiate electron transport.
D
Oxygen is directly phosphorylated by ATP synthase to form ATP.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of the electron transport chain (ETC) in oxidative phosphorylation: it transfers electrons through a series of complexes (I, II, III, IV) embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
Recognize that oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor at Complex IV (cytochrome c oxidase) in the ETC, where it accepts electrons and combines with protons to form water.
Note that this acceptance of electrons by oxygen is essential because it maintains the flow of electrons through the ETC, allowing continued proton pumping across the membrane.
Understand that the proton gradient created by proton pumping at Complexes I, III, and IV drives ATP synthesis by ATP synthase, but oxygen itself is not directly involved in ATP synthesis or phosphorylation.
Conclude that oxygen's key role is to accept electrons at the end of the ETC, enabling the chain to function and maintain the proton gradient necessary for ATP production.
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