What are the functions of the high-energy electrons in the electron transport chain?
They carry NADH and FADH2
They make ATP from ADP
They hold water bonds
They create ATP synthase
The functions of high-energy electrons in the electron transport chain are:
1. They carry NADH and FADH2: High-energy electrons are transferred from NADH and FADH2 to the electron carriers in the electron transport chain, such as flavoproteins and cytochromes.
2. They generate a proton gradient: As high-energy electrons pass through the electron transport chain, energy is released, which is then used to pump protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating a proton gradient.
3. They facilitate ATP synthesis: The proton gradient created by the high-energy electrons drives ATP synthesis. As the protons move back across the inner mitochondrial membrane through ATP synthase, the enzyme utilizes their flow to convert ADP (adenosine diphosphate) into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the cell's main energy currency.
In summary, high-energy electrons play a crucial role in transferring energy from NADH and FADH2 to the electron transport chain, generating a proton gradient, and ultimately facilitating the synthesis of ATP.