RESPIRATORY CHAIN Meaning and
Definition
-
The respiratory chain, also known as the electron transport chain, is a vital component of cellular respiration that occurs within the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells. It is a series of protein complexes and coenzymes located in the inner mitochondrial membrane, responsible for generating a large amount of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the main energy source for cells.
The respiratory chain consists of four protein complexes, aptly named complex I, complex II, complex III, and complex IV. These complexes contain numerous electron carriers, including flavoproteins, iron-sulfur proteins, and cytochromes. The primary function of the respiratory chain is to transfer electrons obtained from the breakdown of glucose and other fuel molecules during the preceding steps of cellular respiration.
As electrons are transferred down the respiratory chain, they gradually decrease in energy level. This energy is harnessed by the complexes to pump protons (H+) from the mitochondrial matrix into the intermembrane space. This sets up an electrochemical gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane, which is utilized by complex V, also known as ATP synthase, to produce ATP through a process called oxidative phosphorylation.
The respiratory chain plays a crucial role in aerobic metabolism, enabling the efficient production of ATP by utilizing the energy released during electron transfer. Disruptions or malfunctions in any of the protein complexes within the respiratory chain can lead to various mitochondrial disorders and cellular energy deficiencies, resulting in a wide range of health conditions.
Common Misspellings for RESPIRATORY CHAIN
- eespiratory chain
- despiratory chain
- fespiratory chain
- tespiratory chain
- 5espiratory chain
- 4espiratory chain
- rwspiratory chain
- rsspiratory chain
- rdspiratory chain
- rrspiratory chain
- r4spiratory chain
- r3spiratory chain
- reapiratory chain
- rezpiratory chain
- rexpiratory chain
- redpiratory chain
- reepiratory chain
- rewpiratory chain
- resoiratory chain
- resliratory chain
Etymology of RESPIRATORY CHAIN
The word "respiratory" is derived from the Latin word "respirare", which means "to breathe". It is a combination of the prefix "re-", which indicates repetition or intense force, and "spirare", meaning "to breathe" or "to blow".
The word "chain" has its origins in the Old English word "cæġ", which means "series" or "row", and comes from the Proto-Germanic word "kaigaz". The term "respiratory chain" refers to a series or process of interconnected steps involved in cellular respiration, where oxygen is used to produce energy in living organisms.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
