AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -NADH and FADH2 molecules formed during Glycolysis and Krebs Cycle carry their electrons to the electron transport chain. The electron transport chain creates a proton gradient that ultimately leads to the production of a large amount of ATP.

Detailed explanation-2: -Remember that NADH and FADH2 are electron carriers and do not directly create any energy. The movement of the electrons through the electron transport chain also does not create energy directly, but does create a proton gradient that is later used to create energy.

Detailed explanation-3: -FADH2, however, passes 2 electrons to complex II, so a total of 6 protons are pumped per FADH2; 4 protons via complex III and 2 via complex IV. Four protons are needed to synthesize 1 ATP. Since 10 protons are pumped for every NADH, 1 NADH yields 2.5 (10/4) ATP.

Detailed explanation-4: -NADH and FADH2 are high energy molecules and they can be used as reducing agents by the cell.