Exemplar Problems

Question:

Describe the role of NADH and FADH2 as electron carriers in the Krebs Cycle. Explain how these carriers participate in oxidative phosphorylation

Answer:

NADH and FADH2 are electron carriers that play a vital role in the Krebs Cycle and oxidative phosphorylation:

• In the Krebs Cycle, NADH and FADH2 are generated during the oxidation of specific intermediates, carrying high-energy electrons.

• These carriers transfer electrons to the electron transport chain (ETC), where the electrons flow through protein complexes, generating a proton gradient.

• This proton gradient is used by ATP synthase to produce ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi), completing the process of oxidative phosphorylation.