Multiple Choice
In oxidative phosphorylation during aerobic respiration, which enzyme complex directly catalyzes ATP synthesis using the proton motive force?
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Review 4: Amino Acid Oxidation, Oxidative Phosphorylation, & Photophosphorylation
Oxidative Phosphorylation 1
Multiple Choice
In oxidative phosphorylation, how many electrons can NADH carry (donate to the electron transport chain)?
A
0 electrons (it carries only protons)
B
2 electrons
C
4 electrons
D
1 electron
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of NADH in oxidative phosphorylation: NADH acts as an electron carrier, donating electrons to the electron transport chain (ETC) to help generate ATP.
Recall the chemical nature of NADH: NADH is the reduced form of NAD+, which carries electrons by accepting two electrons and one proton during metabolic reactions.
Identify the number of electrons NADH donates: NADH donates a pair of electrons (2 electrons) to Complex I of the ETC, which then pass through the chain to ultimately reduce oxygen.
Clarify that NADH does not carry only protons or a single electron; it specifically carries two electrons as a hydride ion (H-), which includes two electrons and one proton.
Summarize that in oxidative phosphorylation, NADH donates exactly 2 electrons to the electron transport chain, which is essential for the generation of the proton gradient used to produce ATP.
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