Which will donate electrons to the electron transport chain, NAD⁺ or NADH?Group of answer choicesNAD⁺NADHNext

Understanding the Electron Transport Chain

The electron transport chain (ETC) is a series of protein complexes located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It plays a crucial role in cellular respiration by transferring electrons through a series of redox reactions, which ultimately leads to ATP production.

Role of NADH and NAD⁺

1. NADH: This molecule is the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. NADH donates its electrons to the electron transport chain. When NAD⁺ is reduced to NADH, it carries high-energy electrons which can be transferred to the ETC.

2. NAD⁺: On the other hand, NAD⁺ is the oxidized form of the molecule and does not donate electrons; it acts as an electron acceptor during metabolic processes like glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, turning into NADH.

Conclusion

• Final Answer: NADH donates electrons to the electron transport chain.