Why does fadh2 produce fewer ATP molecules than nadh?

Answer 1

NADH produces 3 ATPs because it donates the proton at a "higher" location in the electron transport chain than does FADH2, which is why FADH2 produce only 2 ATPs.

NADH and FADH2 donates electrons and protons into the electron transport chain.

Answer 2

NADH enters the ETC at the first Protien, FADH2 doesnt enter the chain until the SENCOND protein structure. Therefore NADH pumps more electrons across the membrane. The more electrons pumped, the more ATP produced

Answer 3

When NADH goes through the electron transport chain it causes three protons to be pumped into the intermembrane space. FADH2 only pumps two. When these protons pass through ATP synthase each makes an ATP. SO NADH makes 3 and FADH2 makes 2.

Answer 4

Because it only enters the second protein in the ETC.

Answer 5

Fewer protons are pumped across the inner mitochondrial membrane when FADH2 is the electron donor than when NADH is the electron donor.