The primary function of the electron transport chain is to ____.
A) initiate the glycolysis reaction and produce ATP
B) oxidize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins
C) produce ATP in the absence of oxygen
D) shuttle electrons from NADH and FADH to rephosphorylate ATP
Enter the appropriate word(s) to complete the statement.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electron transport chain (ETC) is a series of protein complexes located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. The primary function of the ETC is to shuttle electrons from NADH and FADH to complex IV to produce a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane. This proton gradient is used to rephosphorylate ATP, providing energy for cellular processes. The ETC does not initiate glycolysis and cannot produce ATP in the absence of oxygen. The ETC also does not oxidize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins directly, but rather uses the electron carriers derived from these molecules to produce ATP.

The Primary Function of the Electron Transport Chain Is to ____