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Multiple Choice
Which compounds donate electrons to the electron transport chain during cellular respiration?
A
Glucose and pyruvate
B
NADH and FADH$_2$
C
CO$_2$ and H$_2$O
D
ATP and ADP
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context: Cellular respiration is a process where cells generate energy (ATP) by breaking down glucose. The electron transport chain (ETC) is the final stage of cellular respiration, where electrons are transferred to generate a proton gradient for ATP synthesis.
Identify the role of electron donors: In the ETC, molecules that donate electrons are crucial for driving the chain's activity. These molecules are typically reduced coenzymes that carry high-energy electrons from earlier stages of cellular respiration.
Recall the key molecules involved: NADH and FADH$_2$ are reduced coenzymes produced during glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and other metabolic pathways. They carry electrons to the ETC, where they are oxidized, releasing their electrons.
Eliminate incorrect options: Glucose and pyruvate are substrates for earlier stages of cellular respiration, not direct electron donors to the ETC. CO$_2$ and H$_2$O are byproducts of respiration, and ATP and ADP are involved in energy transfer, not electron donation.
Conclude that NADH and FADH$_2$ are the correct electron donors to the electron transport chain during cellular respiration.