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Related Concept Videos

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...
Chemiosmosis01:32

Chemiosmosis

Oxidative phosphorylation is a highly efficient process that generates large amounts of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the basic unit of energy that drives many cellular processes. Oxidative phosphorylation involves two processes— the electron transport chain and chemiosmosis.
Electron Transport Chain
The electron transport chain involves a series of protein complexes on the inner mitochondrial membrane that undergo a series of redox reactions. At the end of this chain, the electrons reduce...
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...
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...
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...
Pyruvate Oxidation01:15

Pyruvate Oxidation

After glycolysis, the charged pyruvate molecules enter the mitochondria via active transport and undergo three enzymatic reactions. These reactions ensure that pyruvate can enter the next metabolic pathway so that energy stored in the pyruvate molecules can be harnessed by the cells.
First, the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase removes the carboxyl group from pyruvate and releases it as carbon dioxide. The stripped molecule is then oxidized and releases electrons, which are then picked up by NAD+...

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Assessing Energy Substrate Oxidation In Vitro with 14CO2 Trapping
09:20

Assessing Energy Substrate Oxidation In Vitro with 14CO2 Trapping

Published on: March 23, 2022

Targeting oxidative phosphorylation: why, when, and how.

Michael Pollak1

  • 1Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T1E2, Canada. michael.pollak@mcgill.ca

Cancer Cell
|March 23, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Melanoma cells show metabolic flexibility, switching between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. This metabolic plasticity is crucial for melanoma survival during B-RAF inhibitor treatment, suggesting new therapeutic strategies.

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

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Last Updated: May 13, 2026

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

Published on: October 26, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Metabolism
  • Melanoma Research

Background:

  • The Warburg effect, characterized by increased glycolysis even with oxygen, is a hallmark of cancer.
  • Recent studies challenge the universality of the Warburg effect in all cancer types.

Discussion:

  • Vazquez et al. demonstrate reduced glycolysis and heightened oxidative phosphorylation in specific melanoma subtypes.
  • This indicates metabolic plasticity, a deviation from the stable Warburg pathophysiology previously assumed for melanoma.
  • Haq et al. reveal that increased oxidative phosphorylation is essential for melanoma cell survival when B-RAF inhibitors are used.

Key Insights:

  • Melanoma exhibits metabolic plasticity, adapting its energy production pathways.
  • Oxidative phosphorylation is critical for melanoma survival under B-RAF inhibition.
  • This challenges the long-held view of a uniform Warburg effect in melanoma.

Outlook:

  • Investigate therapeutic combinations of B-RAF inhibitors with biguanides (which target oxidative phosphorylation).
  • Further research into melanoma metabolic reprogramming could uncover novel therapeutic vulnerabilities.
  • Understanding metabolic plasticity is key to overcoming treatment resistance in melanoma.