Aerobic Respiration: Electron Transport Chain

Question 1

Where is the electron transport chain?

Answer 1

It is embedded into the phospholipid bilayer of the internal mitochondrial membrane.

Question 2

Why is it called the ELECTRON TRANSPORT chain?

Answer 2

Electrons are lost by the reduction of NADH, which releases energy for the transportation of protons into the inter-membranal space via the protein carriers.

Question 3

Describe the process of the electron transport chain.

Answer 3

NADH is oxidised, the lost electron travels through the electron transport chain.
This provides energy for the transportation of protons to the inter-membranal space.
The high concentration of protons in the inter-membranal space creates an electrochemical gradient.
The protons then travel through ATPsynthase, back to the matrix.
This transportation of protons (H+) releases energy in the form of ATP.
The H+ (protons) then bond with oxygen to produce water.

Question 4

What form of ATP synthesis occurs in the electron transport chain?

Answer 4

Oxidative phosphorylation