What happens during reduction phase

Answer 1

During the reduction phase, there are several processes that occur:

1. NADH and FADH2 produced during glycolysis, pyruvate oxidation, and the citric acid cycle donate electrons to the electron transport chain (ETC).

2. The electron transport chain is a series of protein complexes located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. As electrons are passed along the chain, energy is released and used to pump protons (H+) across the membrane.

3. The proton gradient created by the electron transport chain drives ATP synthesis through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. The protons flow back into the mitochondrial matrix through ATP synthase, and this flow of protons provides the energy necessary for ATP production.

4. In the final step of the electron transport chain, oxygen (O2) acts as the final electron acceptor, combining with protons and electrons to form water (H2O).

Overall, the reduction phase involves the transfer of electrons from NADH and FADH2 to the electron transport chain, the creation of a proton gradient, and the production of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.