Question

What is the function of the electrons in the electron transport chain?

Answer 1

Electron transport chain:

1. The two pathways of cellular respiration that produce ATP (glycolysis and the citric acid cycle).
2. However, most of the ATP produced during the aerobic catabolism of glucose is not produced directly from these pathways.
3. Rather, it derives from a process that begins with the transfer of electrons through a series of electron transporters that undergo redox reactions, the electron transport chain.
4. Due to this hydrogen ions are accumulated in the matrix.
5. Therefore, the passage of hydrogen ions through ATP synthase forms a concentration gradient that diffuses from the matrix space.
6. The flow of hydrogen ions promotes the catalytic action of ATP synthase. ATP synthase phosphorylates ADP to produce ATP.
7. The electron transport chain is the only part of glucose metabolism that uses oxygen. Oxygen continuously diffuses into plants. In animals, it enters the body through the respiratory tract.
8. Electron transfer is a series of redox reactions similar to relay races or bucket chains.
9. There are four complexes of proteins labeled I to IV, and the aggregation of these four complexes and their associated mobile accessory electron transport chain areas led to the electron transport chain.
10. The electron transport chain is present in multiple copies of the inner mitochondrial membrane of eukaryotes and the prokaryotes of prokaryotes.
11. However, keep in mind that the electron transport chain of prokaryotes lives in anaerobic conditions and may not require oxygen.
12. A common feature of all electron transport chains is the presence of a proton pump to create a proton gradient across the membrane.