Electron transport chain (ETC)

Definition

The electron transport chain is a series of protein complexes and other molecules that transfer electrons from electron donors to electron acceptors via redox reactions, and couples this electron transfer with the transfer of protons (H+ ions) across a membrane. This process generates ATP, the main energy currency in cells, through oxidative phosphorylation.

Related terms

Oxidative phosphorylation: The metabolic pathway in which cells use enzymes to oxidize nutrients, thereby releasing energy used to reform ATP.

ATP synthase: An important enzyme that provides energy for the cell to use through the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Redox reaction: A type of chemical reaction that involves a transfer of electrons between two species; it includes all chemical reactions in which atoms have their oxidation state changed