Which molecule acts as an electron carrier that donates electrons to generate ATP during cellular respiration?

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Multiple Choice

Which molecule acts as an electron carrier that donates electrons to generate ATP during cellular respiration?

NADH acts as the electron carrier in cellular respiration. It carries high-energy electrons gathered from glycolysis and the TCA cycle and donates them to the electron transport chain, becoming NAD+. The electrons flow through the chain drive proton pumping across the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating a proton gradient that powers ATP synthase to make ATP. NADPH, by contrast, is used mainly for biosynthetic work and antioxidant defense, not for ATP production in respiration. ATP and GTP are energy carriers themselves, not the electron shuttles that feed the chain. So NADH is the molecule that donates electrons to generate ATP in respiration.

NADH acts as the electron carrier in cellular respiration. It carries high-energy electrons gathered from glycolysis and the TCA cycle and donates them to the electron transport chain, becoming NAD+. The electrons flow through the chain drive proton pumping across the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating a proton gradient that powers ATP synthase to make ATP. NADPH, by contrast, is used mainly for biosynthetic work and antioxidant defense, not for ATP production in respiration. ATP and GTP are energy carriers themselves, not the electron shuttles that feed the chain. So NADH is the molecule that donates electrons to generate ATP in respiration.

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