respiratory complexes

Respiratory complexes are a series of protein structures located in the mitochondria, the cell's energy factories. They work together to convert the energy from nutrients into a form called ATP, which fuels most biological processes. These complexes transfer electrons through a chain, releasing energy that helps pump protons across the mitochondrial membrane. This creates a gradient used by another enzyme to produce ATP. Essentially, respiratory complexes are crucial components of how cells generate energy efficiently, supporting life processes from muscle movement to brain function.