Mitochondria and the Electron Transport Chain

Vocabulary flashcards covering the structure of mitochondria and the primary components of the electron transport chain.

Mitochondria

A double membrane organelle that serves as the site for ATP production and various metabolic cycles.

Outer mitochondrial membrane

A membrane featuring large pores that allow chemical substances to pass through while excluding most large proteins.

Inner mitochondrial membrane

One of the most protein dense membranes in the cell, highly folded to accommodate numerous proteins involved in the production of ATP.

Intermembrane space

The space between the outer and inner membranes where the hydrogen ion ($H^+$) gradient is produced; it has a much lower pH than the cytoplasm or matrix.

Matrix

The space enclosed by the inner membrane where the conversion of pyruvate and the citric acid cycle occur.

Electron transport chain (ETS)

A series of proteins that use energy from electrons provided by NADH to pump hydrogen ions from the matrix into the intermembrane space.

NADH

An electron carrier produced during glycolysis and the citric acid cycle that transfers electrons to the mitochondrial electron transport chain.

Complex I

Also called the NADH dehydrogenase complex, it strips electrons from NADH and uses the energy to pump hydrogen ions into the intermembrane space.

Complex II

A protein complex used to strip electrons from $FADH_2$; it can be bypassed as electrons move from Complex I to Complex III.

Complex III

A protein complex in the electron transport chain that receives electrons after they have passed through Complex I.