As one molecule of NADH is oxidized via the respiratory chain:a)1.5 mo...
Explanation:
- The process of oxidative phosphorylation involves the transfer of electrons from NADH and FADH2 to a series of electron carriers in the mitochondrial inner membrane, which ultimately drives the synthesis of ATP.
- Complexes I, III, and IV of the electron transport chain are involved in establishing a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane, which is used to power ATP synthesis by ATP synthase (complex V).
- The number of ATP molecules produced per NADH or FADH2 molecule oxidized depends on the specific electron carrier and the efficiency of proton pumping.
Option D: 1 molecule of ATP is produced as electrons pass through complex III.
- Complex III (cytochrome bc1 complex) accepts electrons from coenzyme Q (ubiquinone) and passes them to cytochrome c, while also pumping protons from the mitochondrial matrix to the intermembrane space. This results in the generation of a proton gradient that can be used by ATP synthase to synthesize ATP.
- The stoichiometry of electron transfer and proton pumping by complex III is such that 1 molecule of NADH can lead to the production of 1.5 to 2.5 ATP molecules, depending on the efficiency of ATP synthase and the proton leak across the inner membrane. However, the majority of these ATP molecules are produced as electrons pass through complex IV (cytochrome c oxidase), which is the final electron acceptor in the chain and catalyzes the reduction of oxygen to water.
- Therefore, the statement that 1 molecule of ATP is produced as electrons pass through complex III is technically correct, but it does not capture the full picture of oxidative phosphorylation. In reality, the production of ATP is a complex and dynamic process that involves the interplay of multiple electron carriers and ATP synthase.
As one molecule of NADH is oxidized via the respiratory chain:a)1.5 mo...
Oxidation of one molecule of NADH via the respiratory chain generates 2.5 molecules of ATP in total. One is formed via complex I, 1 via complex III and 0.5 via complex IV. Complex II is not involved in proton pumping.