Question

Consider the flow of 'high-energy' electrons as they move from glucose through cellular respiration. Which of the following correctly lists a possible order in which electrons flow? Note that not all steps may be shown.
a. citric acid --> C02 --> ATP
b. Acetyl CoA --> pyruvate --> CO2
c. Acetyl CoA --> NADH --> ATP
d. pyruvate --> NADH --> water
e. pyruvate --> Acetyl COA --> ATP

Answer 1

Answer:

e. pyruvate --> Acetyl COA --> ATP

Explanation:

High energy electrons moves from glucose to form ATP. This is an oxidative process. Pyruvate or pyruvic acid is the end product of the glycolysis. The Pyruvate then undergoes Oxidative decarboxylation to form Acetyl COA.  The Acetyl COA then enters into mitochondrial matrix for further oxidation where it generates reduced coenzymes, NADH and FADH₂. The terminal oxidation of NADH and FADH₂ occurs on the inner membrane of mitochondria, where all the co-enzymes NADH and FADH₂ oxidised to release ATPs.