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 create ATP synthase.
They create ATP synthase.
They make ATP from ADP.
They make ATP from ADP.
They carry NADH and FADH2.
They carry NADH and FADH2.
The main functions of high-energy electrons in the electron transport chain are:
1. They carry NADH and FADH2: High-energy electrons from NADH and FADH2 molecules are transferred to the electron transport chain. These electrons are crucial for the overall functioning of the electron transport chain.
2. They create ATP synthase: As the high-energy electrons move through the electron transport chain, they create a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane. This proton gradient drives the synthesis of ATP by ATP synthase.
3. They make ATP from ADP: High-energy electrons, through their movement and transfer within the electron transport chain, help in the generation of ATP from ADP (adenosine diphosphate). This process is known as oxidative phosphorylation.
To summarize, the high-energy electrons in the electron transport chain carry NADH and FADH2, create ATP synthase, and play a fundamental role in the production of ATP from ADP.
The correct answer is "They carry NADH and FADH2."
The high-energy electrons in the electron transport chain play a crucial role in the process of cellular respiration. To understand why they carry NADH and FADH2, let's first go over the electron transport chain itself.
The electron transport chain is a series of protein complexes located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It is a vital component of aerobic respiration, specifically in the final stage called oxidative phosphorylation. The main function of the electron transport chain is to generate ATP, the energy currency of cells.
During cellular respiration, glucose and other organic molecules are broken down in a series of reactions to produce energy in the form of ATP. In the earlier steps of cellular respiration, NADH and FADH2 are produced as energy carriers. These molecules contain high-energy electrons captured from the breakdown of glucose molecules.
Now, the role of the high-energy electrons in the electron transport chain becomes significant. As these electrons are passed along the protein complexes of the electron transport chain, their energy is gradually released. This energy is used to actively transport protons (H⁺ ions) across the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating a proton gradient.
The protons that accumulate on one side of the membrane then flow back through ATP synthase, an enzyme embedded in the membrane. This flow of protons powers the synthesis of ATP from ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and inorganic phosphate (Pi), a process called oxidative phosphorylation.
So, the correct function of high-energy electrons in the electron transport chain is to carry NADH and FADH2, and by their movement through the protein complexes, they create the proton gradient necessary for ATP synthesis through ATP synthase.