Electron carrier

Definition

An electron carrier is a molecule that transports electrons during cellular respiration and photosynthesis. They play a crucial role in the transfer of energy within cells.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Electron carriers like NAD+ and FAD are essential for the redox reactions in cellular respiration.
2. They alternate between oxidized and reduced states as they accept and donate electrons.
3. NADH and FADH2 carry electrons to the electron transport chain in mitochondria, generating ATP.
4. The efficiency of energy production in cells depends on the proper functioning of these carriers.
5. Electron carriers are also involved in anabolic pathways, such as the Calvin cycle in photosynthesis.

Review Questions

• What roles do NAD+ and FAD play in cellular respiration?
• How do electron carriers contribute to ATP synthesis?
• Why is it important for electron carriers to alternate between oxidized and reduced states?

Related terms

NAD+:

A coenzyme that functions as an electron carrier, becoming NADH when reduced.

FAD:

A redox-active coenzyme associated with various proteins, which is involved in several important enzymatic reactions.

Electron Transport Chain:

A series of protein complexes that transfer electrons from electron donors to electron acceptors via redox reactions.