Video Transcript
Where in a cell, specifically, is
the electron transport chain associated with oxidative phosphorylation located? (A) The outer membrane of the
mitochondria. (B) The inner membrane of the
mitochondria. (C) The ribosomes of the
mitochondria. (D) The mitochondrial matrix. Or (E) the nuclear envelope.
Oxidative phosphorylation is the
term given to the final stage of aerobic respiration. Aerobic respiration breaks down
glucose and other carbon-containing compounds to release energy, producing carbon
dioxide and water in the process. Oxidative phosphorylation takes
place in the mitochondria of most living eukaryotic cells. So we can already eliminate option
(E), as this answer choice mentions the nucleus and not the mitochondria.
The inner space of the mitochondria
is called the matrix. And this is where the mitochondrial
DNA, along with ribosomes, enzymes, and other organic molecules, are contained. Mitochondria are surrounded by a
double membrane, which consists of an inner and outer membrane. Within the inner mitochondrial
membrane, there are collections of protein complexes that are specialized to
transport electrons. We call this collection of proteins
the electron transport chain. Oxidative phosphorylation relies on
the electron transport chain to produce ATP by phosphorylating ADP.
So, using this information, we can
determine our correct answer is option (B). The electron transport chain
associated with oxidative phosphorylation is located in the inner membrane of the
mitochondria.
