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Multiple Choice
What is the role of electron carriers in cellular respiration?
A
To store energy in the form of ATP
B
To directly produce ATP during the Krebs cycle
C
To break down glucose into pyruvate
D
To transport electrons from glycolysis to the electron transport chain
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of cellular respiration, which consists of glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain. Each stage plays a crucial role in energy production.
Recognize that electron carriers are molecules that transport electrons during cellular respiration. The main electron carriers involved are NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide).
During glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, electrons are transferred to NAD⁺ and FAD, converting them to NADH and FADH₂, respectively. These reduced forms carry high-energy electrons.
The electron carriers NADH and FADH₂ transport electrons to the electron transport chain, located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. This is where the electrons are passed through a series of proteins.
As electrons move through the electron transport chain, they help pump protons across the mitochondrial membrane, creating a proton gradient. This gradient is used by ATP synthase to produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell.