2.2 Part 2: Electron Transport Chain & ATP Synthase

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to the electron transport chain and ATP synthase based on the provided lecture notes.

Electron transport chain

A series of protein complexes embedded in the mitochondrial membrane that transfer electrons, coupled with hydrogen ion pumping.

Mitochondrial membrane

The location where the protein complexes of the electron transport chain are embedded.

ATP synthase

A protein complex that uses the hydrogen ion gradient generated by the electron transport chain to synthesize ATP.

NADH dehydrogenase

The first complex in the electron transport chain, accepting two electrons from NADH and pumping hydrogen ions.

Ubiquinone

A mobile electron carrier that transfers electrons from the NADH dehydrogenase complex to the cytochrome bc1 complex.

Cytochrome bc1 complex

A complex in the electron transport chain that receives electrons from ubiquinone and passes them to cytochrome c, pumping hydrogen ions.

Cytochrome c

A mobile electron carrier that accepts electrons one at a time from the cytochrome bc1 complex.

Cytochrome oxidase complex

A complex in the electron transport chain that interacts with four electrons, molecular oxygen, and hydrogen ions to form water and pump hydrogen ions.

Proton gradient

A concentration gradient of hydrogen ions created across the membrane by pumping steps, providing potential energy for ATP synthesis.

Molecular oxygen

The final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, combining with electrons and hydrogen ions to form water molecules.