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An Electron Transport Chain
An Electron Transport Chain
transfer electrons from electron donors to electron acceptors via redox reactions (both
reduction and oxidation occurring simultaneously) and couples this electron transfer with the
transfer of protons (H+ ions) across a membrane. Many of the enzymes in the electron
transport chain are membrane-bound (Fiona,2010).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mitochondrial_electron_transport_chain%E2%80%94Etc4.svg
The electron transport chain involves a series of redox reactions that relies on protein
complexes to transfer electrons from a donor molecule to an acceptor molecule. As a result of
these reactions, the proton gradient is produced, enabling mechanical work to be converted
into chemical energy, allowing ATP synthesis. The complexes are embedded in the inner
mitochondrial membrane called the cristae in eukaryotes.
The electrons begin their reactions in Complex I, continuing onto Complex II, traversed to
Complex III and cytochrome c via coenzyme Q, and then finally to Complex IV. The
complexes themselves are complex-structured proteins embedded in the phospholipid
membrane. They are combined with a metal ion, such as iron, to help with proton expulsion
into the intermembrane space as well as other functions. The complexes also undergo
conformational changes to allow openings for the transmembrane movement of protons.
Where Does the Electron Transport Chain Occur?
During the process, a proton gradient is created when the protons are pumped from the
mitochondrial matrix into the intermembrane space of the cell, which also helps in driving
ATP production. Often, the use of a proton gradient is referred to as the chemiosmotic
mechanism that drives ATP synthesis since it relies on a higher concentration of protons to
generate “proton motive force”. The amount of ATP created is directly proportional to the
number of protons that are pumped across the inner mitochondrial membrane.
The electron transport chain involves a series of redox reactions that relies on protein
complexes to transfer electrons from a donor molecule to an acceptor molecule. As a result of
these reactions, the proton gradient is produced, enabling mechanical work to be converted
into chemical energy, allowing ATP synthesis. The complexes are embedded in the inner
mitochondrial membrane called the cristae in eukaryotes.
Reference List
Lyall, Fiona (2010). "Biochemistry". Basic Science in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. pp. 143–
171. doi:10.1016/B978-0-443-10281-3.00013-0. ISBN 978-0-443-10281-3.