The electron transfer chain, also called the electron transport chain, is a complex sequence found in the mitochondrial membrane that accepts electrons from electron donors such as NADH or succinate, shuttles these electrons across the mitochondrial membrane creating an electrical and chemical gradient, and through the proton driven chemistry of the ATP synthase (aka the F0F1 particle), generates adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
There are five complexes normally associated with the electron transfer chain.
- Complex I - NADH dehydrogenase, also called NADH coenzyme Q reductase.
- Complex II - Succinate - coenzyme Q reductase.
- Complex III - Coenzyme Q - cytochrome c reductase.
- Complex IV - Cytochrome c oxidase.
- Complex V - ATP synthase, also known as the F0F1 particle.
Cytochrome c is also an essential part of the electron transfer chain. It is a soluble protein loosely associated with the inner mitochondrial membrane, and transfers electrons between Complexes III and IV.
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