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Electron transport chain

Sequential transfer of electrons from reduced coenzymes to oxygen, coupled with ATP formation, occurring within mitochondria.

Also: ETC, Respiratory chain

Series of inner-mitochondrial-membrane complexes (I-IV) that shuttle electrons from NADH and FADH2 to molecular oxygen. Energy released pumps protons into the intermembrane space, generating the gradient that drives ATP synthase.

How one textbook covers it

  • Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism, 8th ed. (Gropper) — Glossary

    Series of inner-mitochondrial-membrane complexes (I-IV) that shuttle electrons from NADH and FADH2 to molecular oxygen. Energy released pumps protons into the intermembrane space, generating the gradient that drives ATP synthase.

Related terms

Chemiosmotic theory, Cytochromes, Oxidative phosphorylation, Ubiquinol