How many electrons must move down the Electron Transport Chain before energy is made? ( 1 point )
A.) 4
B.) 2
C.) 5
D.) 3
A) 4
The correct answer is B) 2.
In the Electron Transport Chain, electrons are passed from one molecule to another in a series of reactions. The movement of these electrons generates energy in the form of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). For every pair of electrons that move down the Electron Transport Chain, 2 molecules of ATP are produced. Therefore, it takes 2 electrons to move down the Electron Transport Chain in order for energy to be made.
To determine how many electrons must move down the Electron Transport Chain (ETC) before energy is made, we need to understand the process of the ETC. The ETC is responsible for producing energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) during cellular respiration.
During the ETC, electrons from NADH and FADH2 are passed along a series of protein complexes, where energy is gradually released. This energy is used to pump protons (H+) across the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating a proton gradient. The movement of these protons back across the membrane through an enzyme called ATP synthase generates ATP.
In this process, it takes two electrons to generate one ATP molecule. Each NADH molecule brings two electrons to the ETC, while each FADH2 molecule brings one electron.
Given the options provided:
A.) 4 electrons would be needed to generate 2 ATP molecules (2 electrons per ATP).
B.) 2 electrons would be needed to generate 1 ATP molecule.
C.) 5 electrons would be needed to generate 2 ATP molecules.
D.) 3 electrons would be insufficient to generate any ATP.
Based on the explanation above, the correct answer would be:
B.) 2