The electron transport chain (ETC) is the ultimate stage of mobile respiration, occurring inside the mitochondria. It includes a collection of protein complexes that facilitate the switch of electrons from NADH and FADH2 to molecular oxygen. This electron switch releases power, which is then used to pump protons (H+) throughout the interior mitochondrial membrane, creating an electrochemical gradient. This gradient, also referred to as the proton-motive power, is a type of potential power.
The power saved within the proton-motive power is harnessed by ATP synthase, an enzyme that permits protons to circulate again throughout the membrane down their electrochemical gradient. As protons go by way of ATP synthase, the enzyme rotates, catalyzing the phosphorylation of ADP to ATP. This course of is known as oxidative phosphorylation and is the first mechanism by which cells generate nearly all of their ATP. Understanding the effectivity of this course of is essential for comprehending mobile power budgets and metabolic regulation. Traditionally, estimations various, however present analysis supplies extra refined values.
