Answer to Question #67341 in Biology for Erika

Question

1.)Why are methods of anaerobic respiration, such as fermentation, less efficient than aerobic respiration?

2.)Describe the role that NADH and FADH2 play in the generation of ATP during the electron transport chain of aerobic respiration.

Answer 1

1. Anaerobic respiration is respiration using electron acceptors other than oxygen. The latter ones have smaller reduction potentials than oxygen. This means that less energy is released per one oxidized molecule. That is why, anaerobic respiration is less efficient than aerobic respiration.
2. NADH is the product of electrolysis and Krebs cycles. FADH2 is produced in Krebs cycle. The role of NADH and FADH2 in generation ATP during electron transport chain of aerobic respiration is electron donations to the electron transport chain. Both of them donate electrons by providing Hydrogen molecule to the Oxygen molecule to create water during the electron transport chain.