Summary of Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain

1). The electron transport chain as indicated by its name “transport means transfer”, is a membrane-embedded protein labelled as complex I-IV.

2). Electron transport chain also known as ETC complexes.

3). Electron transport chain is located on the inner mitochondrial membrane known as cristae.

4). At electron transport chain, series of electrons transferred from complex I to IV via redox reactions (both oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously).

5). During the courses of ETC, protons (H+ ions) transferred across a membrane, from mitochondrial matrix to intermembrane space and thus create protons (H+ ions) gradient.

6). The flow of protons (H+ ions) from intermembrane space to mitochondrial matrix through ATP synthase drives the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), commonly known as oxidative phosphorylation.

Graphical Representation of Mitochondrial ETC

"The ETC also known as mitochondrial electron transport chain, consists of five protein complexes integrated into the inner mitochondrial membrane known as cristae"

Question: Where does the electron transport chain take place ?

Answer: Electron transport chain occur on the inner mitochondrial membrane known as cristae.

Question: Where are the proteins of the electron transport chain located?

Answer: All the proteins involved in electron transport chain such as Complex I-IV, ATP Synthase located on the inner mitochondrial membrane known as cristae.

Question: How many ATP are generated in the electron transport chain?

Answer: A total of 32 ATP molecules are generated in electron transport process during oxidative phosphorylation.

Question: In the electron transport chain the final electron acceptor is?

Answer: Oxygen is the final electron acceptor.

Question: Does the electron transport chain require oxygen?

Answer: Yes, because oxygen serve as a final electron acceptor during the course of ETC process.

Question: Electron transport chain aerobic or anaerobic?

Answer:

Aerobic: In the presence of oxygen.

Anaerobic: In the absence of oxygen.

Since oxygen serve as a final electron acceptor during the course of ETC process. So, it is an aerobic process.

Question: What does the electron transport chain produce?

Answer: During the process of electron transport chain, electron transfer from complex I to IV via redox reactions (both oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously). These reactions generate proton (H+) gradient which later on utilized to produce ATP.

Question: What does the electron transport chain do?

Answer: Electron transport chain is a series of complex reaction where electron transfer from complex I to IV via redox reactions. These reactions generate proton (H+) gradient which later on utilized to produce ATP.