Question

If a small molecule inhibitor of complex I were toblock the transfer of electrons from the Fe-S chain in complex I to coenzyme Q predict the following (assume oxygen is in ample supply):

a. Redox state (you can simply state “oxidized” or “reduced”) of:

i. FMN

ii. Complex II Fe-S centers

iii. Cyt c₁

iv. Cu_b

b. Flux through the citric acid cycle (you can simply state “increased” or “decreased”).

c. Explain the rationale for your answer to “ii.” (redox state of complex II Fe-S centers) and “b.” (Flux of the citric acid cycle)