Electron transport chain
Electron Transport Chain
The Electron Transport Chain (pronunciation: /ɪˈlɛktrɒn ˈtrænspɔːrt tʃeɪn/) is a series of protein complexes and electron carrier molecules within the mitochondrial and cell membrane that through a series of redox reactions, produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate) which is the energy currency of a cell.
Etymology
The term "Electron Transport Chain" is derived from the process it describes. "Electron" refers to the negatively charged particles that are transported. "Transport" refers to the movement of these electrons, and "Chain" refers to the series of proteins and molecules that facilitate this process.
Process
The Electron Transport Chain is the final and most complex series of reactions in cellular respiration. It is a crucial part of metabolism and is used in both photosynthesis and cellular respiration to harness the energy from electrons to power the cell.
The process begins with an electron donor like NADH or FADH2. These molecules pass their electrons through a series of electron transporters embedded in the mitochondrial membrane. These transporters are protein complexes named Complex I, II, III, and IV. As the electrons are passed along the chain, they move from a higher energy state to a lower energy state and are ultimately accepted by oxygen, producing water. The energy released from these reactions is used to pump protons across the membrane, creating a gradient. This gradient is used by the enzyme ATP synthase to produce ATP.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Electron transport chain
- Wikipedia's article - Electron transport chain
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