Expantiate on role of NADH and FADH2 in the electron transport chain

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The electron transport chain (ETC) is the final stage of aerobic respiration. Its primary role is to generate a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane, which is then used to synthesize ATP. NADH and FADH₂ are electron carriers produced during earlier stages of cellular respiration, specifically glycolysis and the Krebs cycle. They donate high-energy electrons to the ETC. NADH donates its electrons to Complex I, while FADH₂ donates to Complex II. As electrons move through the protein complexes in the ETC, energy is released. This energy is used by Complexes I, III, and IV to pump protons (H⁺ ions) from the mitochondrial matrix into the intermembrane space. This pumping action creates an electrochemical gradient, often called the proton-motive force. NADH and FADH₂ are oxidized back to NAD⁺ and FAD, respectively, allowing them to participate in further rounds of glycolysis and the Krebs cycle. The proton gradient established by the ETC drives ATP synthesis through a process called chemiosmosis, where protons flow back into the matrix through ATP synthase.

Expantiate on role of NADH and FADH2 in the electron transport chain

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