Final answer:
Cells harness the energy of falling electrons during the electron transport chain to synthesize energy-rich compounds like ATP. The electron transport chain transfers electrons from electron carriers to a final electron acceptor, releasing energy that is used to pump hydrogen ions and generate ATP. This process is known as oxidative phosphorylation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cells need to harness the energy of falling electrons during the electron transport chain in order to synthesize energy-rich compounds like ATP. The electron transport chain is a series of protein complexes located in the inner mitochondrial membrane that transfer electrons from electron carriers (NADH and FADH2) to a final electron acceptor (oxygen). As the electrons are passed along the chain, energy is released and used to pump hydrogen ions across the membrane, creating an electrochemical gradient that can be used to generate ATP. This process, known as oxidative phosphorylation, allows cells to efficiently produce the energy they need for their metabolic processes.