AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The electrons from from NADH and FADH2 flow through the electron transport chain in the inner mitochondrial membrane generating a H+ buildup in the inner membrane space. This proton gradient (gradient of H+) flowing through the membrane enzyme complex ATP synthetase is the direct energy source for producing ATP.

Detailed explanation-2: -If a cell needs to spend energy to accomplish a task, the ATP molecule splits off one of its three phosphates, becoming ADP (Adenosine di-phosphate) + phosphate. The energy holding that phosphate molecule is now released and available to do work for the cell.

Detailed explanation-3: -Energy contained in the bonds of glucose is released in small bursts, and some of it is captured in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a small molecule that powers reactions in the cell.

Detailed explanation-4: -Role of mitochondria One objective of the degradation of foodstuffs is to convert the energy contained in chemical bonds into the energy-rich compound adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which captures the chemical energy obtained from the breakdown of food molecules and releases it to fuel other cellular processes.