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electron transport chain
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Diagram of the electron transport chain in cellular respiration, showing protein complexes in a mitochondrial membrane, the movement of electrons and protons, and the roles of ubiquinone and cytochrome C.
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electron transport chain

biochemistry
Also known as: ETC
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Diagram of the electron transport chain in cellular respiration, showing protein complexes in a mitochondrial membrane, the movement of electrons and protons, and the roles of ubiquinone and cytochrome C.
Electron transport chain The series of steps by which electrons flow to oxygen permits a gradual lowering of the energy of the electrons. This part of the oxidative phosphorylation stage is sometimes called the electron transport chain.

The electron transport chain is a series of protein complexes embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane. These complexes facilitate the transfer of electrons, derived from metabolic processes, from electron donors like NADH and FADH₂ to an electron acceptor, typically oxygen.12

This controlled transfer of electrons releases energy in a stepwise manner. This energy is then used to pump protons across the membrane, creating an electrochemical gradient. This gradient drives the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of the cell. This process is crucial for cellular respiration and energy production in both plant and animal cells.12

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. cell - The electron-transport chain
  2. cell - Formation of the electron donors NADH and FADH 2

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