The Electron Transport Chain Explained (Aerobic Respiration)
Education
Introduction
All of the steps of aerobic respiration have been leading up to the electron transport chain, which is the main event where the majority of ATP is produced. This process takes place in the inner membrane of the mitochondrion and involves a series of proteins and molecules that transport electrons. Electrons are passed through protein complexes, pumping hydrogen ions across the membrane and creating a high concentration of hydrogen ions in the inter-membrane space. Oxygen accepts the electrons and hydrogen to form water, while ATP synthase uses the high concentration of hydrogen ions to produce ATP. The electron transport chain occurs repeatedly, generating between 30 to 34 ATP molecules for every glucose molecule that enters respiration.
Keywords:
- Aerobic respiration
- Electron transport chain
- Mitochondrion
- ATP production
- Protein complexes
- Hydrogen ions
- Oxygen
- ATP synthase
FAQ:
- What is the electron transport chain in aerobic respiration?
- How does the electron transport chain produce ATP?
- Why is oxygen important in the electron transport chain?
- How many ATP molecules are typically produced through the electron transport chain in aerobic respiration?