What is "in mitochondrial electron transport?

In mitochondrial electron transport, electrons are transferred from NADH and FADH2 to molecular oxygen through a series of protein complexes located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. This process is known as the electron transport chain.

The electron transport chain consists of five protein complexes (Complex I, II, III, IV, and V) and two mobile electron carriers (ubiquinone and cytochrome c). As electrons move through the complexes, they release energy that is used to pump protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating an electrochemical gradient.

This proton gradient drives the ATP synthase complex (Complex V) to produce ATP, the main energy currency of the cell. In addition to ATP production, the electron transport chain also generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) as byproducts, which can be harmful to the cell if not neutralized by antioxidants.

Overall, the mitochondrial electron transport chain plays a crucial role in generating the majority of ATP in eukaryotic cells and is essential for cellular respiration and energy production. Dysregulation of electron transport in mitochondria can lead to various diseases and disorders, such as mitochondrial myopathies and neurodegenerative diseases.