Question

which statement best describes the electron transport chain in mitochondria? group of answer choices high energy electrons enter the system and low energy electrons exit the system. all of the choices are correct. the system consists of a series of membrane bound carriers that transfer electrons from one carrier to another. energy release occurs when the electron transfers from one carrier to another. carriers in the electron transport chain are arranged according to descending electron transfer potential.

Answer 1

The electron transport chain is a complex process within mitochondria involving high-energy electrons entering and low-energy electrons leaving, involving a series of membrane-bound carriers and ultimately leading to ATP synthesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The electron transport chain (ETC) in the mitochondria is best described by a process where high-energy electrons enter and low-energy electrons exit the system. This system is composed of a series of membrane-bound carriers that transfer electrons from one to another. It is found embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane and includes four protein complexes and two mobile accessory electron carriers. As the high-energy electrons are transported through the chain from NADH and FADH2, they gradually lose energy. This energy is harnessed to pump hydrogen ions (H+) across the inner membrane, from the matrix into the intermembrane space, ultimately creating an electrochemical gradient used for the synthesis of ATP. The carriers are indeed arranged in an order of descending electron transfer potential, ensuring a gradual and controlled release of energy, rather than an explosive one.