Electron Transport Chain (ETC) Overview

These flashcards cover essential terms and concepts related to the Electron Transport Chain (ETC) and its role in ATP production.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

A series of complexes that transfer electrons from reducing equivalents to produce ATP.

Reducing Equivalents

Substances that can donate electrons during redox reactions, e.g. NADH and FADH2.

Oxidation

The process of losing electrons in a chemical reaction.

Reduction

The process of gaining electrons in a chemical reaction.

Oxidizing Agent

A substance that causes oxidation by accepting electrons; it becomes reduced.

Reducing Agent

A substance that causes reduction by donating electrons; it becomes oxidized.

Ubiquinone (Q)

A mobile electron carrier in the electron transport chain.

Cytochrome C

A mobile electron carrier that transfers electrons to Complex IV in the ETC.

Complex II

Part of the TCA cycle that does not span the mitochondrial membrane and does not pump protons.

Q Cycle

A mechanism by which ubiquinone transfers electrons to cytochromes while facilitating proton movement.

ATP Synthase

An enzyme that uses the proton gradient across the mitochondrial membrane to synthesize ATP.

Mitochondrial Matrix

The interior space of the mitochondria where the citric acid cycle occurs.

MELAS Syndrome

A genetic disorder caused by deficiencies in mitochondrial complexes associated with lactic acidosis.

Lactic Acidosis

A condition resulting from the accumulation of lactic acid due to insufficient oxidative metabolism.

TCA Cycle

The citric acid cycle, a key metabolic pathway that generates reducing equivalents.

Pyruvate

The end product of glycolysis that enters the TCA cycle or is converted into lactate under anaerobic conditions.

Electrochemical Gradient

A gradient of ions across a membrane that drives the synthesis of ATP in mitochondria.