What is the Main Biochemical Function of the Electron Transport

Question

What is the main biochemical function of the electron transport chain?
A) to break glucose into pyruvic acid
B) to add phosphate groups to ATP
C) to regenerate OAA
D) to force hydrogen ions through ATP synthase

Accepted Answer

The main biochemical function of the electron transport chain is to force hydrogen ions (protons) through the ATP synthase enzyme, which creates ATP from ADP and inorganic phosphate. This process is known as oxidative phosphorylation and is the final step in cellular respiration. The electron transport chain uses the energy from electron carriers such as NADH and FADH2 to pump hydrogen ions across the inner mitochondrial membrane, creating an electrochemical gradient. The flow of ions back across the membrane through the ATP synthase enzyme generates ATP.