What are the functions of the high-energy electrons in the electron transport chain?
They hold water
bonds.
They carry NADH and
FADH2.
They create ATP
synthase.
They make ATP from
ADP.
The functions of high-energy electrons in the electron transport chain are:
1. They carry energy-rich electrons derived from NADH and FADH2 molecules, which are products of previous metabolic pathways such as glycolysis and the citric acid cycle.
2. They transfer these electrons through a series of protein complexes in the electron transport chain. As the electrons move, they release energy, which is used to pump protons (H+) across the inner mitochondrial membrane.
3. The movement of protons creates an electrochemical gradient, with a higher concentration of protons outside the inner mitochondrial membrane. This gradient serves as a source of potential energy.
4. The high-energy electrons are eventually accepted by molecular oxygen (O2), which serves as the final electron acceptor. This process generates water as a byproduct.
5. The flow of electrons through the electron transport chain ultimately leads to the synthesis of ATP through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. The energy released by the electrons as they flow is coupled with ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi) to synthesize ATP using an enzyme called ATP synthase.