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Related Concept Videos

Electron Transport Chains01:28

Electron Transport Chains

The final stage of cellular respiration is oxidative phosphorylation that consists of two steps: the electron transport chain and chemiosmosis. The electron transport chain is a set of proteins found in the inner mitochondrial membrane in eukaryotic cells. Its primary function is to establish a proton gradient that can be used during chemiosmosis to produce ATP and generate electron carriers, such as NAD+ and FAD, that are used in glycolysis and the citric acid cycle.
The ETC is comprised of...
Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II01:46

Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II

The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is the main energy generation system in the eukaryotic cells. However, mitochondria also produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the large electron flow during oxidative phosphorylation. While Complex I is one of the primary sources of superoxide radicals, ROS production by Complex II is uncommon and may only be observed in cancer cells with mutated complexes.
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
The Supercomplexes in the Crista Membrane01:41

The Supercomplexes in the Crista Membrane

The mitochondrial cristae membrane is the primary site for the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) process of energy conversion mediated through respiratory complexes I to V. These complexes have been widely studied for decades, and it has been proven that they form supramolecular structures called respiratory supercomplexes (SC). These higher-order complexes may be crucial in maintaining the biochemical structure and improving the physiological activity of the individual complexes while...
The Electron Transport Chain01:30

The Electron Transport Chain

The electron transport chain or oxidative phosphorylation is an exothermic process in which free energy released during electron transfer reactions is coupled to ATP synthesis. This process is a significant source of energy in aerobic cells, and therefore inhibitors of the electron transport chain can be detrimental to the cell's metabolic processes.
Inhibitors of the electron transport chain
Rotenone, a widely used pesticide, prevents electron transfer from Fe-S cluster to ubiquinone or Q in...
Chemiosmosis and ATP Synthesis01:22

Chemiosmosis and ATP Synthesis

The electron transport chain is a critical component of cellular respiration, occurring in the inner mitochondrial membrane. It facilitates the transfer of high-energy electrons from reduced cofactors NADH and FADH₂ to molecular oxygen, the final electron acceptor. This transfer of electrons through a series of protein complexes is tightly coupled to the translocation of protons across the membrane, generating a proton gradient essential for ATP synthesis.Electron Flow and Proton...
Electron Transport Chain: Complex III and IV01:43

Electron Transport Chain: Complex III and IV

During the electron transport chain, electrons from NADH and FADH2 are first transferred to complexes I and II, respectively. These two complexes then transfer the electrons to ubiquinol, which carries them further to complex III. Complex III passes the electrons across the intermembrane space to Cyt c, which carries them further to complex IV. Complex IV donates electrons to oxygen and reduces it to water. As electrons pass through complexes I, III, and IV, the energy released aids the pumping...

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High-Resolution Respirometry to Assess Bioenergetics in Cells and Tissues Using Chamber- and Plate-Based Respirometers
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High-Resolution Respirometry to Assess Bioenergetics in Cells and Tissues Using Chamber- and Plate-Based Respirometers

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The mitochondrial respiratory chain.

Peter R Rich1, Amandine Maréchal

  • 1Glynn Laboratory of Bioenergetics, Department of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK. prr@ucl.ac.uk

Essays in Biochemistry
|June 11, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This chapter reviews mammalian mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes, focusing on electron transfer from NADH and succinate to oxygen. It explores how these reactions generate the proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis.

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Mitochondrial respiratory chains are crucial for cellular energy production.
  • The electron transport chain (ETC) involves protein complexes and cofactors.
  • Oxidative phosphorylation links electron transfer to ATP synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the structures and mechanisms of major mammalian mitochondrial respiratory chain components.
  • To emphasize the four protein complexes catalyzing electron transfer.
  • To discuss the coupling of electron transfer to proton gradient formation for ATP synthesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on mitochondrial respiratory chains.
  • Analysis of the structures and functions of protein complexes and cofactors.
  • Examination of the mechanisms of electron transfer and proton pumping.

Main Results:

  • Detailed description of the four main protein complexes (Complex I-IV) and their roles in electron transfer.
  • Explanation of the involvement of cofactors like NADH, succinate, and oxygen.
  • Review of current models for proton gradient generation across the inner mitochondrial membrane.
  • Inclusion of additional respiratory components found in various organisms.

Conclusions:

  • The four protein complexes and their cofactors are central to mitochondrial energy production.
  • The coupling mechanism between electron transfer and ATP synthesis is complex and vital.
  • Understanding these components is key to comprehending cellular respiration and energy metabolism.