Electron Transport Chain Components to Know for Biochemistry

The electron transport chain is essential for cellular energy production in biochemistry. It consists of several complexes that transfer electrons, pump protons, and ultimately generate ATP, linking metabolic processes to energy synthesis in mitochondria.

1. Complex I (NADH dehydrogenase)

   • Catalyzes the transfer of electrons from NADH to Coenzyme Q (ubiquinone).
   • Pumps protons (H+) from the mitochondrial matrix into the intermembrane space, contributing to the proton gradient.
   • Contains FMN (flavin mononucleotide) and iron-sulfur clusters that facilitate electron transfer.

2. Complex II (Succinate dehydrogenase)

   • Converts succinate to fumarate in the citric acid cycle while transferring electrons to Coenzyme Q.
   • Does not contribute to the proton gradient as it does not pump protons.
   • Contains FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide) as a cofactor, which is reduced to FADH2 during the reaction.

3. Complex III (Cytochrome bc1 complex)

   • Transfers electrons from Coenzyme Q to cytochrome c while pumping protons into the intermembrane space.
   • Involves a series of redox reactions using heme groups and iron-sulfur clusters.
   • Plays a crucial role in the Q-cycle, which enhances the efficiency of electron transfer.

4. Complex IV (Cytochrome c oxidase)

   • Catalyzes the final step of the electron transport chain by transferring electrons from cytochrome c to molecular oxygen, forming water.
   • Pumps protons into the intermembrane space, further contributing to the proton gradient.
   • Contains copper and heme groups that facilitate the reduction of oxygen.

5. ATP synthase (Complex V)

   • Utilizes the proton gradient created by the previous complexes to synthesize ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate.
   • Operates via a rotary mechanism, where protons flow through the enzyme, causing conformational changes that drive ATP production.
   • Plays a critical role in oxidative phosphorylation, linking electron transport to ATP generation.

6. Coenzyme Q (Ubiquinone)

   • A lipid-soluble electron carrier that transports electrons between Complex I/II and Complex III.
   • Can exist in multiple oxidation states, allowing it to shuttle electrons efficiently.
   • Contributes to the formation of the proton gradient by accepting protons from the mitochondrial matrix.

7. Cytochrome c

   • A small heme-containing protein that transfers electrons from Complex III to Complex IV.
   • Soluble in the intermembrane space, facilitating rapid electron transfer.
   • Plays a role in apoptosis signaling pathways in addition to its function in the electron transport chain.

8. NADH

   • A key electron donor in the electron transport chain, generated from metabolic processes like glycolysis and the citric acid cycle.
   • Provides high-energy electrons that are transferred to Complex I.
   • Contributes to the proton gradient by facilitating proton pumping through Complex I.

9. FADH2

   • An electron donor produced during the citric acid cycle, specifically from the conversion of succinate to fumarate in Complex II.
   • Transfers electrons to Complex II, which does not pump protons, resulting in less ATP yield compared to NADH.
   • Plays a role in the overall energy production by feeding electrons into the electron transport chain.

10. Proton gradient

    • Established by the pumping of protons into the intermembrane space by Complexes I, III, and IV.
    • Creates a difference in proton concentration and electrical charge across the inner mitochondrial membrane.
    • Drives ATP synthesis through ATP synthase, as protons flow back into the matrix, providing the energy needed for ATP production.