Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the electron transport chain?
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8. Respiration
Electron Transport Chain
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Which of the following statements best describes the electron transport chain?
A
It is a cycle that converts glucose into pyruvate, releasing energy in the form of ATP.
B
It is a process that directly synthesizes ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate.
C
It is a pathway that breaks down fatty acids into acetyl-CoA units.
D
It is a series of protein complexes that transfer electrons to generate a proton gradient across the mitochondrial membrane.
Verified step by step guidance1
Begin by understanding the role of the electron transport chain (ETC) in cellular respiration. The ETC is the final stage of aerobic respiration, occurring in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
Recognize that the electron transport chain consists of a series of protein complexes and other molecules that transfer electrons from electron donors like NADH and FADH2 to electron acceptors such as oxygen.
As electrons move through these complexes, energy is released and used to pump protons (H+) across the mitochondrial membrane, creating a proton gradient.
This proton gradient generates a potential energy difference across the membrane, known as the proton motive force, which is crucial for ATP synthesis.
Finally, understand that ATP is synthesized when protons flow back into the mitochondrial matrix through ATP synthase, driven by the proton gradient established by the electron transport chain.
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