Terminal electron acceptor

Definition

A terminal electron acceptor is a compound that receives or accepts electrons at the end of an electron transport chain during cellular respiration or photosynthesis. This process is crucial for the synthesis of ATP, the energy currency of cells.

Related terms

Electron Transport Chain:

A series of complexes 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.

Cellular Respiration:

The metabolic process by which cells convert biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and then release waste products.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate):

A high-energy molecule found in every cell, serving as an energy currency for metabolic processes