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. Why is more ATP made per molecule of NADH than per molecule of FADH2?
Added by Jeffrey A.
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NADH and FADH2 donate their electrons to different complexes in the electron transport chain (ETC). NADH donates its electrons to Complex I, while FADH2 donates its electrons to Complex II. Show more…
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Why is less ATP made from the reoxidation of FADH2 compared to NADH? Electrons from FADH2 cannot be carried by Q (ubiquinone). Electrons from FADH2 enter the electron transport chain through Complex II. Electrons from NADH enter the electron transport chain through Complex I. Electrons from FADH2 ultimately pump fewer protons.
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