Explain the electron transport chain (ETC) as it relates to the image provided.
Understand the Problem
The image shows the electron transport chain (ETC) which is a series of protein complexes embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane. The ETC facilitates the transfer of electrons from electron donors NADH and FADH2 to electron acceptors like oxygen, coupled with the pumping of protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane to create an electrochemical gradient that drives ATP synthesis. The question is likely related to the function or components of the ETC.
Answer
The electron transport chain transfers electrons through protein complexes, creating a proton gradient used by ATP synthase to produce ATP.
The electron transport chain (ETC) is a series of protein complexes that transfer electrons to create an electrochemical gradient. NADH and FADH2 donate electrons, which move through Complexes I-IV. This electron flow pumps protons (H+) from the mitochondrial matrix to the intermembrane space, creating a gradient. Complex V (ATP synthase) uses this gradient to produce ATP from ADP and Pi.
Answer for screen readers
The electron transport chain (ETC) is a series of protein complexes that transfer electrons to create an electrochemical gradient. NADH and FADH2 donate electrons, which move through Complexes I-IV. This electron flow pumps protons (H+) from the mitochondrial matrix to the intermembrane space, creating a gradient. Complex V (ATP synthase) uses this gradient to produce ATP from ADP and Pi.
More Information
The ETC is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane, and it is a vital part of cellular respiration, generating the majority of ATP in aerobic organisms.
Tips
A common mistake is thinking that ATP is generated directly by the electron transport chain itself. ATP is actually produced by ATP synthase (Complex V) which uses the proton gradient generated by the ETC.
Sources
- Oxidative phosphorylation | Biology (article) - Khan Academy - khanacademy.org
- Biochemistry, Electron Transport Chain - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Electron Transport Chain | Biology for Majors I - Lumen Learning - courses.lumenlearning.com
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