Question

What are the functions of NADH,FADH2 . And what are the different inhibitors of cell respiration and how they inhibit.

Answer 1

Functions of NADH and FADH₂

NADH, produced during glycolysis and Krebs cycle, and FADH₂, produced only during Krebs cycle, are electron transporters. Glycolysis and Krebs cycle produce energy in the form of ATP and electrons. NADH and FADH₂ take up and transfer these electrons to oxygen, converting it to water. In the process, NADH and FADH₂ are converted to NAD+ and FAD+, respectively. The hydrogens that are released by NAD+ and FAD+ are used by ATP synthase enzyme to make more ATPs.

Inhibitors of cell respiration

There are several inhibitors of cell respiration; some well-known examples and their mechanism of inhibition are:

1. Antimycin: respiratory chain inhibitor; prevents oxidation of NADH
2. Cyanide: respiratory chain inhibitor; blocks cytochrome oxidase
3. Oligomycin: phosphorylation inhibitor; blocks ATP synthesis by the F_O/F₁ATPase
4. Rotenone: respiratory chain inhibitor; blocks NADH dehydrogenase