Electron Transport chain
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Sobrukai
Oct 25, 2023
0
#1
Could some one here explain to me what really goes on in an electron transport chain? I’m taking AP bio at the moment and this has gotten me very confused. I understand some of it like how the purpose is to carry high powered electrons through membrane-embedded proteins to power the synthesis of ATP. I also know that these electrons were carried over by NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) that goes through oxidation to drop off a electron (becoming NAD+). I also know what happens to all of the protons, they go into a ATP synthase in order to produce 30-32 ATP. I know my understanding is pretty basic, so I was wondering if any of y’all could help me out in understanding it!
you’re forgetting everyone on OTF is absolutely brain dead
Oct 25, 2023
0
#5
Yeah I know they release energy, but the actual process is very complicated and I haven’t had much luck understanding it
Oct 25, 2023
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#7
Well I don’t really understand what happens while the electrons are crossing through the proteins, why the chain always stops at oxygen (high electronegativity?) and how the protons assist in the creation of ATP.
google lore
I'm not much on biology but I'm just a tad better in chemistry. Oxygen loves to collect electrons which makes it a good choice for any reaction that needs to lose an electron from somewhere else.
edit: Oxygen is the second most common element in our atmosphere after nitrogen. Nitrogen doesn't like to react much so oxygen was the best bet for any organism trying to move electrons around.
another edit: I see Rev covered it. My first edit expanded on it a little.
Well I assume that they all have to be double bonded carbon chains, because then electrons can travel across them far easier, as they are delocalized. Oxygen will hold electrons to itself (as it’s more electronegative), so that creates an electrically charged barrier that electrons won’t want to travel through.
I’m in AP Chem and have an A so far, and the Unit 3 test is coming up after this weekend. AP Chem isn’t nearly as hard as APUSH or Physics though. Our school had nobody fail the AP Chem exam last year, and an average of an 80% pass rate for 10 years in a row
Seems like an interesting topic I can invest myself in when I have time
I think biology is fascinating. I just haven't tried to learn much of it since high school.
Oct 25, 2023
0
#18
Wow, I went away for a bit and I definitely wasn’t expecting this. I’m glad I was able to provide a place to show your bio knowledge 😂. Thank you all!
Oct 25, 2023
0
#19
Oh I’m so dumb I just watched a 4 min video and now I understand. It’s really simple when you understand it. Once again thank you everyone!