electron transport chain

The electron transport chain is a process happening in your cells’ mitochondria, where it converts the energy from nutrients into usable energy. It involves a series of proteins that pass electrons along, releasing small amounts of energy with each transfer. This energy helps pump protons across the mitochondrial membrane, creating a gradient. When protons flow back through a special enzyme, they generate ATP, the main energy currency your cells use for various functions. Essentially, the electron transport chain is the final step in efficiently producing energy from food.