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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the first step in the electron transport chain during cellular respiration?
A
NADH donates electrons to Complex I (NADH dehydrogenase)
B
Oxygen accepts electrons to form water
C
FADH$_2$ donates electrons to Complex II
D
ATP is synthesized by ATP synthase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context: The electron transport chain (ETC) is the final stage of cellular respiration, occurring in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It involves a series of protein complexes and electron carriers that transfer electrons to ultimately produce ATP.
Identify the role of NADH and FADH$_2$: These molecules are electron carriers produced during earlier stages of cellular respiration (glycolysis, pyruvate oxidation, and the citric acid cycle). They donate high-energy electrons to the ETC.
Focus on the first step: NADH donates electrons to Complex I (NADH dehydrogenase). This is the initial step in the ETC, where NADH is oxidized to NAD$^+$, and its electrons are transferred to Complex I.
Understand the subsequent steps: Complex I uses the energy from electron transfer to pump protons (H$^+$) across the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating a proton gradient. This gradient is essential for ATP synthesis later in the process.
Clarify the other options: Oxygen accepting electrons to form water occurs at the end of the ETC, FADH$_2$ donates electrons to Complex II later in the chain, and ATP synthesis by ATP synthase is the final step driven by the proton gradient. These are not the first step.