Mitochondrial Shuttle Systems Explain why NADH synthesized in the cytosol of liver cells and used for mitochondrial energy conversion generates 2.5 ATP per NADH, whereas NADH synthesize in muscle cell cytosol only generates 1.5 ATP per NADH? Solution NADH synthesized in the cytosol of liver cells and used for mitochondrial energy conversion generates 2.5 ATP per NADH, whereas NADH synthesized in muscle cell cytosol only generates 1.5 ATP per NADH. In order to transfer electrons from NADH to glycerol 3-P dehydrogenase, 10 protons are transported from matrix to inter mitochondrial membrane where 4 protons are transported through complex 1, 4 protons through complex 3 and 2 protons through complex 4. And to make 1 ATP ,4 protons move from inter mitochondrial membrane to matrix by ATPase. Hence for NADH synthesized in the cytosol of liver cells, 10/4=2.5 ATP is generated. For NADH synthesized in muscle cell cytosol 6 protons are transported, hence 6/4=1.5 ATP is generated. Since fewer protons are pumped, hence lesser ATP is generated. .