What are the functions of the high-energy electrons in the electron transport chain?(1 point) Responses They hold water bonds. They hold water bonds. They carry NADH and FADH2. They carry NADH and FADH 2 . They make ATP from ADP. They make ATP from ADP. They create ATP synthase.
The functions of high-energy electrons in the electron transport chain are to carry NADH and FADH2 and to create ATP from ADP. They do not directly hold water bonds or create ATP synthase.
The main function of high-energy electrons in the electron transport chain is to carry NADH and FADH2. These electrons are generated during the breakdown of glucose and other molecules in cellular respiration. As they move through the electron transport chain, they transfer their energy to different protein complexes, creating a flow of electrons. This flow of electrons ultimately leads to the production of ATP from ADP, a process called oxidative phosphorylation. ATP synthase then uses the energy from the electron flow to produce ATP molecules. So, in summary, the functions of high-energy electrons in the electron transport chain are to carry NADH and FADH2, generate ATP from ADP, and facilitate the activity of ATP synthase.
The correct answer is: They make ATP from ADP.
High-energy electrons in the electron transport chain play a crucial role in generating ATP. Here's how it works:
1. Electrons from NADH and FADH2, which are produced during glucose metabolism in the earlier stages of cellular respiration, are passed along the electron transport chain.
2. As these electrons move through the chain, their energy is gradually harvested and used to pump protons (H+) across the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating an electrochemical gradient.
3. The high-energy electrons eventually reach the last protein complex in the chain called cytochrome c oxidase. Here, the electrons are transferred to oxygen, forming water.
4. The transfer of electrons through the electron transport chain releases energy, which is used to actively transport protons across the membrane.
5. The accumulated protons create a gradient, with a higher concentration on one side of the membrane compared to the other. This potential energy is then utilized by ATP synthase.
6. ATP synthase is an enzyme embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane. As protons flow back into the mitochondrial matrix through ATP synthase, the mechanical energy is used to synthesize ATP from ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and inorganic phosphate (Pi).
Therefore, the high-energy electrons in the electron transport chain are responsible for generating ATP from ADP, which is a crucial energy currency for cellular processes.