Lesson 4 - Electron Transport Chain Flashcards
unit 3
Electron transport chain
- The electron transport chain is a set of proteins inside the mitochondria
- It gets electrons from NADH + FADH2
- It uses those electrons to help the cell make energy (ATP)
How does it work?
- There are four main protein complexes in the chain.
- Electrons move through these complexes, and as they do, protons (H+) are pushed across the membrane.
- This creates a proton gradient, like building up pressure on one side of a wall.
Making ATP (energy)
The protons want to go back to the other side, and they do this by going through a protein called ATP synthase.
As they move through ATP synthase, energy is released. This energy is used to make ATP, which is the main energy source for the cell
What happens to the electrons?
- At the end of the chain, the electrons are given to oxygen.
- The oxygen combines with the electrons and some protons to form water.
Inner mitochondrial membrane
Cristae
The inner membrane is folded into cristae, which increase its surface area and facilitate the location of the electron transport chain and ATP synthase
Electrochemical gradient
pumping protons (H+) across a membrane, creating a difference in both charge and concentration across the membrane. This gradient stores potential energy that is then used to drive ATP synthesis
ATP syntase
This enzyme utilizes the proton gradient generated by the ETC to synthesize ATP
Chemiosmosis
- The electrochemical gradient of protons (H+) across the inner mitochondrial membrane provides potential energy.
- ATP synthase uses the flow of protons back into the mitochondrial matrix to generate ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate.
Proton motive force
oxidative phosphorylation
The process where the energy from NADH + FADH2 is used to generate ATP in the electron transport chain
