Question #119599
What is the mechanism of transport of energy in the electron transport chain
Expert's answer
Main principle: the flow of electrons through the electron transport chain an exergonic process. The energy from the redox reactions create an electrochemical proton gradient that drives the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
Mechanisms:
Electron transport is a series of redox reactions that resemble a relay race or bucket brigade in that electrons are passed rapidly from one component to the next, to the endpoint of the chain where the electrons reduce molecular oxygen, producing water. These complexes has electron carriers (cytochromes, nucleotides - they act like nets and consequentially transfer these electrons with H+ pumping.
