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 high-energy electrons in the electron transport chain (ETC) serve several important functions:
1. They carry NADH and FADH2 molecules: NADH and FADH2, which are produced during the earlier stages of cellular respiration, donate their high-energy electrons to the ETC. These electrons are passed along a series of protein complexes in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
2. They generate a proton gradient: As the high-energy electrons flow through the ETC, they transfer energy to the protein complexes. This energy is used to pump protons (H+) across the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating a concentration gradient of protons.
3. They generate ATP from ADP: The proton gradient created by the high-energy electrons in the ETC provides the energy needed for ATP synthesis. Protons pass through ATP synthase, a protein complex embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane, enabling it to combine ADP and inorganic phosphate (Pi) to form ATP through a process known as oxidative phosphorylation.
4. They release energy and bind with oxygen: As the high-energy electrons are passed along the ETC, their energy gradually decreases. Eventually, they combine with oxygen (O2) at the end of the ETC to form water (H2O), completing the final step of cellular respiration.
Therefore, the high-energy electrons in the electron transport chain play a crucial role in generating ATP, in addition to transferring energy and facilitating the transfer of electrons to oxygen for the production of water.