Understanding Electron Transport in the Citric Acid Cycle

Electron Transport Chain

Electron carriers play a crucial role in the process of cellular respiration. In the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, electrons are released as part of the energy harvesting process from glucose. These electrons are picked up by electron carriers such as NADH and FADH2, which then transport them to the electron transport chain.

The electron transport chain is located in the inner membrane of the mitochondrion. As the electrons flow through the chain, their energy is used to pump hydrogen ions (H+) from the matrix into the intermembrane space, creating a gradient of hydrogen ions. This gradient is used to drive the synthesis of ATP through a protein complex called ATP synthase.

Overall, the electron transport chain is a crucial step in the process of cellular respiration, as it generates the majority of ATP produced during this energy-harvesting process.