Final answer:
The electron transport chain is the final phase of aerobic respiration, playing a crucial role in energy production by transferring electrons to produce ATP and water.
Step-by-step explanation:
The electron transport chain is the final stage of aerobic respiration. This process is critical for the production of ATP, the energy currency of the cell. During the electron transport, NADH and FADH₂ donate high-energy electrons to the chain, which are passed through a series of protein complexes within the inner membrane of the mitochondrion. As the electrons are transferred, hydrogen ions are pumped across the membrane, creating an electrochemical gradient. This gradient drives the synthesis of ATP as protons flow back into the mitochondrial matrix through ATP synthase. The ultimate acceptor of the electrons is molecular oxygen, which is reduced to water.