Final answer:
The process of energy conservation in the mitochondrion involves glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain. High-energy electrons are transported along the chain, and their energy is used to pump hydrogen ions. The movement of these protons generates ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of energy conservation in the mitochondrion occurs through a series of steps. First, glucose is broken down in the cytoplasm through a process called glycolysis. Then, the pyruvate molecules are transported into the mitochondria, where they enter the Krebs cycle. In the final stage, the energy in the energy carriers enters an electron transport chain, which uses the energy to produce ATP.
During the electron transport chain, high-energy electrons are released from NADH and FADH2 and move along the inner membrane of the mitochondria. As they are transported along the chain, some of their energy is captured and used to pump hydrogen ions (H+) into the intermembrane space. The movement of these protons back into the matrix through ATP synthase channels generates ATP.
The interconnected processes of electron transport and ATP synthesis are collectively known as oxidative phosphorylation, and they occur in the mitochondria of cells. This process requires the energy from glucose and other nutrients, and it produces carbon dioxide as a waste product.