Now left with two-carbon acetic acid , its combination with coenzyme A creates acetyl CoA . The electrons that have been moved to the NADH can shift to a series of electron carrier molecules which are components of the electron transport system. Most are cytochromes . With each electron passing to the next carrier in the sequence, some energy is released the electron calms down , moving down an energy gradient. The electrons remaining, after giving off all extra energy, can be combined with oxygen atoms to form water.
Aerobic respiration is the most efficient process.
From each molecule of glucose, a potential 38 ATP molecules can be produced in prokaryotic respiration. The diagram on page 123 of Ed. I, or page 115 of Ed. II , or Ed. 151 shows the proton pump moving hydrogen ions across as the electrons move along the chain. The accumulation of hydrogen ions across the membrane creates a huge differential in pH, osmotic concentration, and electrical charge across the membrane.