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Electron Transport Chains01:28

Electron Transport Chains

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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...
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The Electron Transport Chain01:30

The Electron Transport Chain

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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
Rotenone, a widely used pesticide, prevents electron transfer from Fe-S cluster to ubiquinone or Q...
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Electron Transport Chain: Complex III and IV01:43

Electron Transport Chain: Complex III and IV

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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 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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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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Electron Carriers01:24

Electron Carriers

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Electron carriers can be thought of as electron shuttles. These compounds can easily accept electrons (i.e., be reduced) or lose them (i.e., be oxidized). They play an essential role in energy production because cellular respiration is contingent on the flow of electrons.
Over the many stages of cellular respiration, glucose breaks down into carbon dioxide and water. Electron carriers pick up electrons lost by glucose in these reactions, temporarily storing and releasing them into the electron...
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Characterizing Electron Transport through Living Biofilms
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Characterizing Electron Transport through Living Biofilms

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Long-Distance Electron Transport in Unicellular Organisms and Biofilms.

Colin D McCaig1

  • 1Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.

Reviews of Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology
|January 21, 2025
PubMed
Summary

Electrical forces in single-celled organisms facilitate communication and nutrient sharing. Bacteria use electrical signals to attract new members and transport electrons over long distances, enabling survival in harsh environments.

Keywords:
BacteriaBiofilmCable bacteria microbial nanowiresEarly life formsElectrical communicationElectron transportFilamentous cable

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Electrochemical Detection of Deuterium Kinetic Isotope Effect on Extracellular Electron Transport in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1
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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Bioelectricity
  • Cellular Communication

Background:

  • Electrical forces are integral to single-celled organism functions, including communication.
  • Bacterial colonies utilize electrical cues for aggregation and coordination.
  • Electron transport chains are vital for cellular respiration and energy production.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of electrical forces in bacterial communication and organization.
  • To explore the mechanisms of long-distance electron transport in bacterial filaments.
  • To understand how electrical signaling contributes to bacterial survival in challenging environments.

Main Methods:

  • Observational studies of bacterial biofilm formation.
  • Electrophysiological measurements of bacterial colonies and filaments.
  • Microscopic analysis of electron transport pathways.

Main Results:

  • Bacterial biofilms attract new members via electrical signals.
  • Bacteria form end-to-end filaments enabling electron transport over centimeters.
  • Electron transport across approximately 10,000 cells spatially separates redox reactions.

Conclusions:

  • Electrical forces are a key mechanism for bacterial communication and colony formation.
  • Long-distance electron transport in bacterial filaments supports life-essential redox reactions.
  • This bioelectrical capability enhances bacterial survival in nutrient-limited or anoxic aquatic sediments.