Electron Transport Chain - ATP Synthase, Chemiosmosis, & Oxidative Phosphorylation
The Organic Chemistry Tutor・2 minutes read
The process of electron transport chain involves the transfer of electrons from NADH and FADH2 through various protein complexes to produce ATP by chemiosmosis, with NADH yielding three ATP molecules and FADH2 producing two ATP molecules. Protons are pumped across the mitochondrial membrane, creating a positive charge in the intermembrane space that drives ATP synthesis through ATP synthase.
Insights
- NADH and FADH2 play crucial roles in the electron transport chain, ultimately leading to the production of ATP through a series of complex reactions involving various protein complexes and mobile electron carriers.
- The electron transport chain involves the sequential transfer of electrons from NADH and FADH2 through multiple protein complexes, leading to the generation of a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis via chemiosmosis, highlighting the intricate process by which cellular energy is produced in mitochondria.
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Recent questions
What is the role of NADH in cellular respiration?
NADH generated in the Krebs cycle and glycolysis donates hydrogen and electrons at complex one, NADH dehydrogenase, initiating the electron transport chain.
How do electrons move through the electron transport chain?
Electrons from NADH travel to ubiquinone, then to complex three, cytochrome reductase, and finally to complex four, cytochrome oxidase, where they combine with oxygen to form water.
What is the function of cytochrome c in cellular respiration?
Cytochrome c acts as a mobile electron carrier, transferring electrons from complex three to complex four in the electron transport chain.
How is ATP produced in cellular respiration?
Protons are pumped from the mitochondrial matrix to the intermembrane space, creating a positive charge. Protons flow back through ATP synthase, driving the production of ATP in a process called chemiosmosis.
What is the difference in ATP production between NADH and FADH2?
NADH yields three ATP molecules, while FADH2 produces two ATP molecules when oxidized in the electron transport chain.
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Summary
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Electron Transport Chain: ATP Production Mechanism Explained
- NADH generated in Krebs cycle and glycolysis gives up hydrogen and electrons at complex one, known as NADH dehydrogenase.
- Electrons from NADH travel to ubiquinone, a mobile electron carrier, before reaching complex three.
- Cytochrome reductase, or complex three, transfers electrons to cytochrome c, a mobile electron carrier.
- Cytochrome c then passes electrons to complex four, or cytochrome oxidase, which combines them with oxygen and hydrogen ions to form water.
- FADH2, generated in Krebs cycle, gives up electrons at complex two, activating the electron transport chain.
- Protons are pumped from the mitochondrial matrix to the intermembrane space by transmembrane proteins, creating a positive charge in the intermembrane space.
- Protons flow through ATP synthase due to an electric force and concentration gradient, leading to the production of ATP in a process called chemiosmosis.
- NADH and FADH2 are oxidized in the electron transport chain, with one NADH molecule yielding three ATP molecules and one FADH2 molecule producing two ATP molecules.
