Question

The glycerol-3-phosphate shuttle can transport cytosolic NADH equivalents into the mitochondrial matrix (see Fig. 15.11c). In this shuttle, the protons and electrons are donated to FAD, which is reduced to FADH2. These protons and electrons are subsequently donated to coenzyme Q in the electron transport chain. Given that the number of ATP molecules made per NADH and FADH2 oxidation differ by ____? the amount of ATP generated per mole of glucose when the glycerol-3-phosphate shuttle would be ____ instead of 32.

Answer 1

The glycerol-3-phosphate shuttle can transport cytosolic NADH equivalents into the mitochondrial matrix. In this shuttle, the protons and electrons are donated to FAD, which is reduced to FADH₂. These protons and electrons are subsequently donated to coenzyme Q in the electron transport chain.

Given that the number of ATP molecules made per NADH and FADH₂ oxidation differ by 2.5 molecules of ATP generated NADH and 1.5 molecules of ATP generates FADH₂.

When glucose is metabolized anaerobically the only net ATP produced from the substrate phosphorylation steps and this leads to only two ATPs per glucose entering glycolysis thus,the amount of ATP generated per mole of glucose when the glycerol-3-phosphate shuttle would be 30 instead of 32.