Electron Transport Systems and Respiration Mechanisms

Reduction Potential

Tendency of a molecule to accept electrons.

Strong Electron Donor

More negative value in reduction potential.

Strong Electron Acceptor

More positive value in reduction potential.

Proton Motive Force (PMF)

Energy stored as a gradient of H+ ions.

Chemiosmosis

Process of ATP synthesis using PMF.

Redox Reactions

Reactions involving electron transfer between molecules.

Aerobic Respiration

Respiration using oxygen as terminal electron acceptor.

Anaerobic Respiration

Respiration without oxygen, using alternative acceptors.

Dissimilatory Metal Reduction

Reduction of metal cations, excluding them from cells.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

Series of proteins transferring electrons to generate PMF.

NADH

Reduced form of NAD+, acts as electron donor.

NAD+

Oxidized form of NADH, accepts electrons.

ATP Synthase

Enzyme that synthesizes ATP using PMF.

Quinone Molecules

Mobile electron carriers in the electron transport chain.

Cytochrome

Protein containing heme, involved in electron transport.

Oxidoreductases

Enzymes facilitating redox reactions in metabolism.

ΔG

Gibbs free energy change in a reaction.

F1F0 ATP Synthase

Multi-subunit protein for ATP production.

Sodium Motive Force

Energy stored as a gradient of Na+ ions.

Dissimilatory Denitrification

Reduction of oxidized nitrogen forms for energy.

Lithotrophy

Energy generation from inorganic compounds.

Nitrification

Conversion of ammonia to nitrate by bacteria.

Sulfur Reduction

Reduction of oxidized sulfur compounds for energy.

Thermal Vent Ecosystem

Unique ecosystem supported by sulfur-reducing bacteria.