How Many ATP are Produced in The Electron Transport Chain

Introduction

According to recent research, the electron transport cycle generates approximately 30-32 ATP molecules. A relay race-like series of redox processes is how electron transport is described. A group of proteins in mitochondria transfer electrons through a membrane to create a gradient of protons that quickens the production of ATP. The electron transport chain is found on the inner membrane of the mitochondria.

Electron transport chain

Both the photosynthesis and cellular respiration processes involve it.

It happens in the mitochondria.

ETS process steps:

• The mitochondrial membrane generates a proton gradient.

• Proton accumulation occurs in the mitochondrial intermembrane space.

• Here, oxygen serves as a terminal electron acceptor during the reduction of oxygen and the formation of water.

• Chemiosmosis is a mechanism used in the synthesis of ATP.

• The enzyme ATP synthase catalyses ATP synthesis.

Keys of the electron transport chain

• The mitochondria's inner membrane contains a collection of protein complexes and electron carrier molecules called the electron transport chain, which is responsible for producing ATP.

• From protein complex to protein complex, electrons are transferred until they are given oxygen. Protons are pumped out of the mitochondrial matrix across the inner membrane and into the intermembrane space during the transfer of electrons.

• Protons flow down the electrochemical gradient that is produced by the buildup of protons in the intermembrane space and back into the matrix through ATP synthase. The energy needed to produce ATP is provided by this proton movement.

• The third stage of aerobic cellular respiration is called the electron transport chain. The first two stages of cellular respiration are the Krebs cycle and glycolysis.

ATP generated through ETS:

• One FADH2 molecule produces 2 molecules of ATP, while one NADH molecule generates 3 molecules of ATP.

• In ETS, 10 NADH molecules are generated, but only 2 FADH2 molecules.

• This means that 34 molecules of ATP were produced overall from these NADH and FADH2 molecules.

Conclusion

An electrochemical gradient is provided by proton pumps (proton motive force).

ATP synthase produces ATP using the protons that are released as a result (chemiosmosis). Oxygen can help water produce protons and electrons.