Chapter 12.10, Problem 1QQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To determine the number of moles ATP that is ultimately produced from the entry of 1 mole of FADH₂ into the electron transport chain.

Concept introduction: Electron transport chain is a sequence of biochemical reactions in which electrons and hydrogen atoms from the citric acid cycle are transferred to various intermediate carriers and finally reacts with molecular oxygen to form a water molecule. The reaction of the formation of the water is:

${\text{O}}_2+4{\text{e}}^{-}+4{\text{H}}^{+}\to 2{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}$

There are four complexes associated with the electron transport chain that is present in the inner mitochondrial membrane. The four complexes that help in the electron transfer in the electron transport chain are:

Complex I: $\text{NADH-coenzyme}\text{Q reductase}$

Complex II: $\text{Succinate-coenzyme}\text{Q reductase}$

Complex III: $\text{Coenzyme}\text{Q-cytochrome c reductase}$

Complex IV: $\text{Cytochrome c oxidase}$

FADH₂ is the reduced form of flavin adenine dinucleotide. The main function of flavin adenine dinucleotide is to act as an oxidizing agent and used by the cell in oxidation reactions like oxidation of fatty acid.