Final answer:
Oxygen is required for the electron transport chain to begin, which occurs in the mitochondria and is composed of protein complexes. Protons generate a gradient used for ATP synthesis at ATP Synthase, while oxygen combines with electrons to form water. Cyanide inhibits ATP production by affecting cytochrome c.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order for the electron transport chain to begin, oxygen is required as the final electron acceptor. The electron transport chain takes place in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells. This chain is made up of proteins and complexes that function as electron carriers and ion pumps.
Protons contribute towards making ATP by generating a proton gradient across the mitochondrial membrane, which is then utilized by ATP synthase to produce ATP in a process known as chemiosmosis. According to the law of conservation of mass, electrons are not created nor destroyed during the chain; rather, they are conserved and transferred to different molecules, including oxygen to form water.
Water is formed during the electron transport chain when electrons combine with oxygen to produce water molecules as a byproduct. At the ATP Synthase, synthesis of ATP occurs as it uses the energy from the proton gradient to add a phosphate group to ADP, forming ATP. When cells are exposed to cyanide, it affects the electron transport chain by inhibiting cytochrome c, leading to the inhibition of ATP production because of the disruption of the electron transport chain.