Part C - Comparing the amount of ATP synthesis from NADH and FADH2 NADH and FADH2 are both electron carriers that donate their electrons to the electron transport chain. The electrons ultimately reduce O2 to water in the final step of electron transport. However, the amount of ATP made by electrons from an NADH molecule is greater than the amount made by electrons from an FADH2 molecule. Which statement best explains why more ATP is made per molecule of NADH than per molecule of FADH2? View Available Hint (s)

The correct answer will be - Protons pumped by the NADH through inner mitochondrial membrane is greater than the protons pumped by the FADH₂.

Explanation:

During the cellular respiration, the electron donors like NADH and FADH₂ are produced which donates the electrons during the electron transport chain.

The NADH molecule contains high energy electron which transmits the electron to complex I. This releases a large amount of energy utilized to pump H⁺ ions from matrix to intermembrane space. Similarly, the FADH₂ contains low energy electrons as compared to the NADH so fewer protons are pumped to intermembrane space.

Since NADH pumps a large number of protons that is 10 protons whereas FADH₂ pumps only 6 protons and four protons are required to form the ATP therefore, NADH produces about 2.5 ATP whereas FADH₂ forms 1.5 ATP.

Thus, Protons pumped by the NADH through the inner mitochondrial membrane is greater than the protons pumped by the FADH₂ is the correct answer.