Electron Transport Chain and Oxidative Phosphorylation

• What is the main event of aerobic respiration?

  The electron transport chain
• Why is the electron transport chain considered the "Super Bowl" of cellular respiration?

  Because the vast majority of ATP is made here
• Where are the proteins and molecules of the electron transport chain embedded?

  In the inner membrane of the mitochondrion
• What role does NADH play in the electron transport chain?

  NADH delivers its electrons to the first protein in the chain
• What happens to the energy released as electrons move through the protein complex?

  It is used to pump hydrogen ions across the inner membrane
• How do electrons contribute to the function of protein pumps in the electron transport chain?

  They provide the energy to drive the pumps
• What is the role of the red molecule in the electron transport chain?

  It transports electrons toward their next destination
• What happens to the electrons after they are transported to the final protein complex?

  They are accepted by oxygen, forming water
• Why do cells need oxygen in the electron transport chain?

  Oxygen accepts electrons to prevent the chain from stopping
• What would happen if the electron transport chain stopped functioning?

  You wouldn't be able to make enough ATP to survive
• How is ATP synthesized in the electron transport chain?

  Through the flow of hydrogen ions via ATP synthase
• What is the process called when hydrogen ions move from high to low concentration through ATP synthase?

  Facilitated diffusion
• What is the function of ATP synthase in the electron transport chain?

  It allows hydrogen ions to flow through and produce ATP
• How many ATP molecules are produced from one glucose molecule during the electron transport chain?

  Between 30 to 34 ATP molecules
• What are the key steps in the electron transport chain?

  1. NADH delivers electrons to the first protein complex.
  2. Electrons move through protein complexes, releasing energy.
  3. Energy is used to pump hydrogen ions into the intermembrane space.
  4. Oxygen accepts electrons and forms water.
  5. ATP synthase uses the flow of hydrogen ions to produce ATP.
• What is the significance of the high concentration of hydrogen ions in the intermembrane space?

  • Drives ATP synthesis through ATP synthase
  • Creates a proton gradient essential for ATP production
• How does the electron transport chain relate to the overall process of cellular respiration?

  • It is the final stage of aerobic respiration.
  • It produces the majority of ATP from glucose.
  • It relies on previous steps (glycolysis and Krebs cycle) for electron carriers.