The Electron Carriers NADH and FADH₂ Donate Their Electrons to the Electron-Transport

Multiple Choice

The electron carriers NADH and FADH₂ donate their electrons to the electron-transport chain in the inner mitochondrial membrane, leading to ATP synthesis powered by an H⁺ gradient across the membrane. If, on average, the oxidation of each NADH or FADH₂ molecule in this pathway results in the production of 2.5 and 1.5 molecules of ATP, respectively, how many ATP (and GTP) molecules are produced on average as a result of the complete oxidation of one molecule of acetyl CoA in the mitochondrion? Consider only the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation.

A) 10
B) 12
C) 13.5
D) 14.5
E) 15