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Multiple Choice
Based on the animation, how many electron carriers are reduced during the Krebs cycle only?
A
One NAD$^+$ and three FAD are reduced per cycle
B
Four NAD$^+$ and no FAD are reduced per cycle
C
Two NAD$^+$ and two FAD are reduced per cycle
D
Three NAD$^+$ and one FAD are reduced per cycle
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle), which is a series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA derived from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Step 2: Recall that during the Krebs cycle, electron carriers such as NAD$^+$ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) and FAD (Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide) are reduced to NADH and FADH$_2$, respectively. These reduced carriers are essential for transferring electrons to the electron transport chain.
Step 3: Analyze the given options and note the number of NAD$^+$ and FAD molecules reduced per cycle. The correct answer states that three NAD$^+$ molecules and one FAD molecule are reduced during the Krebs cycle.
Step 4: Verify this information by reviewing the steps of the Krebs cycle. Specifically, NAD$^+$ is reduced to NADH during three key reactions: (1) isocitrate to α-ketoglutarate, (2) α-ketoglutarate to succinyl-CoA, and (3) malate to oxaloacetate. FAD is reduced to FADH$_2$ during the conversion of succinate to fumarate.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is based on the biochemical reactions of the Krebs cycle, where three NAD$^+$ molecules and one FAD molecule are reduced per cycle, providing electron carriers for subsequent energy production in the electron transport chain.