Explain the role of electrons, protons (hydrogen cations), and oxygen in electron transport

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Expert Solution

The electron transport chain is a series by which electrons are shuttled from NADH and FADH2 to molecular oxygen. This is done with the help of a series of electron transporters. In the process, protons are pumped from the mitochondrial matrix to the intermediate space, and oxygen is reduced to form water.

As the electrons flow through the electron transport chain, protons are pumped to the transmembrane space.

Oxygen plays a vital role in this chain of events. Due to its chemical structure, oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor that moves electrons down the electron transport chain and helps to create ATP.

The path of electrons from NADH to Oxygen is as -

NADH--> NADH dehydrogenase complex-->ubiquinone--> cytochrome b-c1 complex--> cytochrome c--> cytochrome oxidase complex --> Oxygen. In this process. H+ ions or protons are pumped out of the matrix. The electrons come from the breaking down of organic molecules.

If oxygen is not present then the electron transport chain cannot function because there is no oxygen to act as the final electron acceptor. As a result NAD+ will not be regenerated.

gladiator answered 1 year ago

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