Step 4: Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

Question 1

Where does the ETC occur exactly?

Answer 1

In the krista ( outer membrane) of the mitochondrian.

Question 2

What happens to all of the NADH2s and FADH2s from steps 1-3?

Answer 2

They move to the krista, they then “drop off” the hydrogens near the krista.

Question 3

What happens to all of the hydrogens at the krista?

Answer 3

They are broken down into a proton and a electron.

Question 4

What happens after the hydrogen is broken down?

Answer 4

The electrons go onto the proteins of the krista, one by one.
The protons however flood into the intermembranus structure.

(Thus the name Electron Transport Chain)

Question 5

What does the protons do in the intermembranus structure?

Simple answer

Answer 5

They unstable the concentration, and charge the cell (positively)

Question 6

What happens after the protons are on the intermembranus structure?

(Complex answer)

Answer 6

They return to the krista, using a special protein called ATPase.

(The ATPase is also the protein where the electrons get backed up)

Question 7

What happens after the protons flood back into the krista?

Answer 7

There is enough energy made for phosphate (which is floating around) to form PO4,
The PO4 joins to ADP to form ATP

Question 8

How many ATPs are created during the ETC

Answer 8

30-32

Question 9

However, won’t the chain of electrons eventually get backed up?

Answer 9

An oxygen molecule (O2) goes into the cell and takes an electron and proton. The oxygen then leaves as a water molecule.

E- + P+= Hydrogen (hydrogen x4 + O2 = 2 water molecules)