What are the functions of the high -energy electrons in the electron transport chain? (point) They hold water bonds. They create ATP synthase. They make ATP from ADP They carry NADH and FAD*H_{2}

Answer 1

The correct functions of high-energy electrons in the electron transport chain are:

1. They carry energy from food molecules: High-energy electrons are transferred from NADH and FADH2 to electron carriers embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane. These electrons are obtained from the breakdown of food molecules such as glucose during cellular respiration.

2. They generate a proton gradient: As the high-energy electrons move through the electron transport chain, they pass through a series of protein complexes. This movement results in the pumping of protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating a gradient of protons or a proton motive force.

3. They create ATP synthase: The proton motive force generated by the high-energy electrons is used by ATP synthase enzyme to produce ATP. As protons flow back into the inner mitochondrial membrane through ATP synthase, it drives the synthesis of ATP from ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and inorganic phosphate.

So, out of the given options:
- They hold water bonds: This is incorrect as high-energy electrons do not hold water bonds.
- They create ATP synthase: This is incorrect as ATP synthase is an enzyme that uses proton motive force to produce ATP, not high-energy electrons.
- They make ATP from ADP: This is correct. High-energy electrons, through their movement and the resulting proton gradient, supply the energy required for ATP synthesis.
- They carry NADH and FADH2: This is correct. High-energy electrons are carried by NADH and FADH2, which were initially generated in earlier stages of cellular respiration.