The Cytochrome Chain

The Biochemistry of Movement > 9.7.8. Gentle exercise uses type 1 muscles and involves aerobic respiration > The Cytochrome Chain >

Summarise the role of the cytochrome chain and identify the location of the chain of enzymes involved within the mitochondrion

  • The cytochrome chain is a part of the Electron Transport Chain. It is a multi-enzyme system found in the inner membrane of the mitochondria.
  • The ETP is the final part of cellular respiration and is the only part that uses oxygen from the atmosphere. Oxygen is the last electron receptor in the chain.
  • The cytochrome chain’s role is to transfer electrons. It uses electrons from electron carriers in order to form a chemical gradient. This is used for the process of oxidative phosphorylation.
  • Electrons from both NADH and FADH2 are passed through the gradient toward oxygen, which is then reduced to H2O.