The specific molecule that actually delivers electrons to the electron transport chain is Blank______.Multiple choice question.glucosepyruvateNADHacetyl CoA

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify the components of cellular respiration relevant to the electron transport chain.
2. Determine the molecule among the choices provided that directly contributes electrons.

Relevant Concepts

1. In cellular respiration, glucose is broken down through glycolysis, resulting in the formation of pyruvate.
2. Pyruvate is then converted to acetyl CoA before entering the citric acid cycle.
3. NADH is produced during both glycolysis and the citric acid cycle; it is specifically known for delivering electrons to the electron transport chain (ETC).

Analysis and Detail

1. Glucose: While glucose is an initial substrate, it does not directly deliver electrons to the ETC.
2. Pyruvate: Pyruvate is an intermediate that does not directly transfer electrons but is converted to acetyl CoA.
3. Acetyl CoA: This molecule feeds into the citric acid cycle, contributing to the production of NADH, but does not directly deliver electrons itself.
4. NADH: This is the primary electron carrier in cellular respiration that transports high-energy electrons to the electron transport chain.

Verify and Summarize

Based on the understanding of cellular respiration, the only molecule that directly delivers electrons to the electron transport chain is NADH.

Final Answer

NADH is the correct answer.