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Multiple Choice
In the context of organic chemistry, what occurs along an electron transport chain?
A
Protons are directly converted into electrons, generating a magnetic field.
B
Carbon atoms are rearranged to form different organic molecules.
C
Electrons are transferred through a series of proteins, releasing energy used to form ATP.
D
Electrons are stored in a single protein complex until they are needed for chemical reactions.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of an electron transport chain (ETC) in organic chemistry, which is a series of protein complexes and other molecules that transfer electrons from electron donors to electron acceptors via redox reactions.
Recognize that the primary function of the ETC is to facilitate the transfer of electrons through a series of proteins embedded in a membrane, typically the inner mitochondrial membrane in eukaryotes.
Identify that as electrons move through the chain, they release energy at each step. This energy is used to pump protons (H+) across the membrane, creating a proton gradient.
Acknowledge that the proton gradient generated by the ETC is used by ATP synthase, another protein complex, to synthesize ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate. This process is known as oxidative phosphorylation.
Clarify that the ETC does not involve the direct conversion of protons into electrons, nor does it store electrons in a single protein complex. Instead, it efficiently transfers electrons to ultimately produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell.