* Electron Transport Chain: NADH carries high-energy electrons from the earlier stages of glycolysis and the Krebs cycle to the electron transport chain (ETC) located within the mitochondria.
* Energy Transfer: As these electrons move down the ETC, their energy is used to pump protons across the mitochondrial membrane, creating a proton gradient.
* ATP Production: This proton gradient drives the production of ATP through a process called oxidative phosphorylation.
Essentially, NADH acts as a "bridge" between the breakdown of glucose and the final production of ATP. It's a key molecule that allows for efficient energy transfer during cell respiration.
