Ahmad 2022 StatPearls Publishing

Ahmad M, Wolberg A, Kahwaji CI (2022) Biochemistry, electron transport chain. StatPearls Publishing StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL)

» PMID: 30252361 Open Access

Ahmad M, Wolberg A, Kahwaji CI (2022) StatPearls Publishing

Abstract: The electron transport chain is a series of four protein complexes that couple redox reactions, creating an electrochemical gradient that leads to the creation of ATP in a complete system named oxidative phosphorylation. It occurs in mitochondria in both cellular respiration and photosynthesis. In the former, the electrons come from breaking down organic molecules, and energy is released. In the latter, the electrons enter the chain after being excited by light, and the energy released is used to build carbohydrates.

• Bioblast editor: Gnaiger E

Correction: FADH₂ and S-pathway

• Complex II ambiguities

A commonly found error on FADH₂ in the S-pathway requires correction. For clarification, see page 48 in Gnaiger (2020)

• Quote (p 48): "The substrate of CII is succinate, which is oxidized forming fumarate while reducing flavin adenine dinucleotide FAD to FADH₂, with further electron transfer to the quinone pool. Whereas reduced NADH is a substrate of Complex I linked to dehydrogenases of the TCA cycle and mt-matrix upstream of CI, reduced FADH₂ is a product of Complex II with downstream electron flow from CII to Q."

Gnaiger E (2020) Mitochondrial pathways and respiratory control. An introduction to OXPHOS analysis. 5th ed. Bioenerg Commun 2020.2. https://doi.org/10.26124/bec:2020-0002