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Related Concept Videos

The Supercomplexes in the Crista Membrane01:41

The Supercomplexes in the Crista Membrane

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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...
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Respiration01:24

Respiration

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Overview of the Respiratory System and Energy Production
Energy production in the human body is primarily fueled by oxidation, a process where food molecules are burned by combining with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. This vital metabolic process sustains life, and is supported intricately by the respiratory system.
Structure and Function of the Respiratory System:
The respiratory system is a complex network of structures that includes the nose, oropharynx, larynx, trachea,...
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Electron Transport Chain: Complex III and IV01:43

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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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The Electron Transport Chain01:30

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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
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Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II01:46

Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II

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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...
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Chemiosmosis01:32

Chemiosmosis

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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.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 5, 2025

Inner Mitochondrial Membrane Sensitivity to Na+ Reveals Partially Segmented Functional CoQ Pools
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Structural basis for safe and efficient energy conversion in a respiratory supercomplex.

Wei-Chun Kao1, Claire Ortmann de Percin Northumberland2,3, Tat Cheung Cheng4,5,6,7,8,9,10

  • 1Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, ZBMZ, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. wei-chun.kao@biochemie.uni-freiburg.de.

Nature Communications
|January 28, 2022
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Respiratory supercomplexes enhance energy conversion and reduce reactive oxygen species. The cryo-EM structure of the cytochrome bcc-aa3 supercomplex reveals mechanisms for safe and efficient electron and proton transfer.

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Structural Biology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Respiratory supercomplexes improve cellular respiration efficiency and safety.
  • The control of electron and proton transfer in supercomplexes remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the structural mechanisms of safe and efficient energy conversion in respiratory supercomplexes.
  • To determine the structure of the cytochrome bcc-aa3 supercomplex from Corynebacterium glutamicum.

Main Methods:

  • Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) at 2.8 Å resolution.
  • Structural analysis of the cytochrome bcc-aa3 (III2-IV2) supercomplex.

Main Results:

  • Resolved structures of menaquinone, substrate mimics, lycopene, an unexpected Qc site, dioxygen, and proton transfer pathways.
  • Identified conformational states of key protonable residues.
  • Demonstrated how controlled electron and proton transfer ensures safety and efficiency in the supercomplex.

Conclusions:

  • The structure provides insights into safe and efficient energy conversion within respiratory supercomplexes.
  • Findings may inform the development of drugs targeting actinobacteria responsible for diseases like diphtheria and tuberculosis.