Chapter 23, Problem 23.123EP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To determine the number of moles of ATP available for cellular use if 4 moles of NADH and 3 moles of FADH₂ are oxidized within a mitochondrion.

Concept introduction: Electron transport chain $\left(\text{ETC}\right)$ 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:

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

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.

NADH is the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. It is employed as an oxidizing agent in various reactions like oxidation of secondary alcohol into a ketone. Its structure consists of three subunits: nicotinamide, ribose, and ADP.