Electron Transport Chain

• 6 NADH
• 2 FADH2

It involves a series of molecules, mostly proteins, which are sequentially linked to each other.

partition-like mitochondrial structures called cristae

a series of redox reactions?

• Yes it is required and consumed
• Highly aerobic

6

NADH is oxidized to NAD+ with the release of energy which starts the electron cascade

Electrons slide down an "energy hill" as electron carrier molecules undergo sequential redox reactions

The first carrier molecule is oxidized as the next one is reduced, and so on, down to the last atom which is oxygen. Small amounts of energy are shed and temporally stored within the mitochondria during each carrier molecule transfer.

oxygen

because each carrier molecule has a greater affinity for electrons than it's uphill neighbor

small amounts of energy are shed and temporarily stored within the mitochondria during each carrier molecule transfer

eventually enough energy is accumulated to reduce ADP to ATP

captures the cascading hydrogen electron at the bottom of the hill to form H2O

FADH2

It enters the electron transport chain at a lower energy level and produces 1/3 less energy than NADH

a violent explosion

• 32 (34) molecules of ATP
• 6 molecules of water

40%

• The remaining energy (60%) is given off as heat
• used to maintain body temperature higher than ambient temperature