Final answer:
Electron carriers are molecules that bind and transport high-energy electrons between compounds in biochemical pathways. They play a crucial role in the oxidation-reduction pathway of an organism's energy production. These carriers allow the transfer of energy in small packages, enabling the cell to use energy incrementally.
Step-by-step explanation:
Electron carriers play a crucial role in the oxidation-reduction pathway of an organism's energy production. They bind and transport high-energy electrons between compounds in biochemical pathways. These carriers include molecules like NADH, FADH2, cytochrome C, and ubiquinone (Q). Oxidation and reduction reactions occur in tandem, with oxidation stripping electrons from a compound and reduction adding these electrons to another compound. Redox reactions allow the transfer of energy in small packages, enabling the cell to use energy incrementally.